The Centre for Budget and Policy Studies (CBPS) hosted a two-day ideation workshop on April 8 and 9 in Bengaluru to explore the complex and intersections between climate change, specifically heat and the mental health of informal women workers in public spaces.
Supported by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, the workshop brought together community members, informal women workers, and experts in mental health, gender studies and public policy. With women in informal occupations among the most vulnerable to climate-related threats, the workshop aimed to lay the groundwork for a multidisciplinary study on how rising temperatures affect their psychological well-being and social mobility.
Participants focused on four pillars of inquiry: how women articulate and experience mental health issues due to heat exposure, methods to measure these concerns, contributing factors and their interrelations, and ways to engage with public discourse and policy. The sessions also explored innovative approaches such as game-based activities and awareness modules to bring these issues into broader conversation.
By the end of the workshop, participants reached a consensus on key research objectives and questions while the conversations about methodologies continue. The workshop is expected to form the basis for a proposal that will inform policy for safeguarding the mental health of women in the informal economy.
We extend our gratitude to all the participants who enriched the discussions:
Jahnvi Andharia and Mubhashira Zaidi (Institute of Social Studies Trust)
Dr. Gajanan Sabhahit, Dr. Rahul Patley, and Dr. Aravind BA (NIMHANS)
Neeth D’Souza, Bhagya, and Manjula (APSA)
Radha, Mubeen, and Chand Pasha (Slum Mahila Sanghatane)
Chandramma and Manjubai (Savitri Bai Phule Mahila Sanghatane)
