Linkages between Culture, Education and Women s Health in Urban Slums

Women's Health in Urban Slums Meenakshi Thapan This paper examines some of the important linkages between culture and tradition, education and women's health through an analysis of secondary data from mainly two sources. Although education plays a crucial role in providing the possibilities for personal growth and independence, the importance of cultural norms, values and customs in determining the life choices and physical and mental well-being of women cannot be denied. An empowering education has to address itself to the needs and competencies of women in their daily lives. The significant value of education also lies in its ability to alter women's consciousness and lives from within so that they question these traditions and practices and bring about a change in their everyday lives by asserting themselves through a positive understanding and appreciation of their identities as women.