Introduction:
This research “Exploring the motivations and barriers affecting community health workers’ performance in the Noida-Greater Noida Region” delves into the lived realities of India’s community health workers- ASHAs, ANMs, and AWWs- who form the invisible backbone of public healthcare in urban slums. Through first-hand accounts from Noida–Greater Noida, the study uncovers the motivations, challenges, and resilience of these women who tirelessly serve communities despite systemic neglect and low pay. Supported by the Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR), the work highlights their crucial role in advancing public health and gender equity, calling for stronger institutional recognition and support to ensure sustainable, inclusive healthcare for all.

Abstract:
This study explores the motivations and barriers shaping the performance of community health workers (CHWs)—Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and Anganwadi Workers (AWWs)—in the urban slums of Noida-Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. By drawing on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, it highlights how CHWs operate under systemic neglect, limited remuneration, and infrastructural constraints, yet remain deeply motivated by moral values, community recognition, and a sense of service. The research underscores that while these women are indispensable to India’s reproductive and maternal health outcomes, their contributions are persistently undervalued. Strengthening institutional support, recognition, and resources is critical for ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on health, gender, and equity. The research forms a crucial part of an Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR)-funded project (Ministry of Education, Govt of India), “A Study of Reproductive and Sexual Health of Slum Dwelling Women in India: A Case Study of Noida-Greater Noida Region,” seeking to illuminate how women’s health in urban slums is interwoven with the labor, struggles, and resilience of these frontline workers.

Explanation in Layperson’s Terms:
At the heart of India’s healthcare system are community health workers—women who visit homes, guide mothers during pregnancy, ensure children are vaccinated, and spread awareness about nutrition and family planning. In Noida and Greater Noida, we spoke directly to these women about their daily struggles and motivations. We found that while they work tirelessly, often walking miles or climbing buildings to reach families, they receive little pay and even less recognition from the system. Yet, they continue because they believe their work matters—to save lives, prevent diseases, and support families in need. Their motivation comes not just from money but from respect in their communities, their faith, and their desire to create healthier futures for children. Our research shows that unless the government and institutions truly value and support them, the backbone of India’s healthcare system will remain fragile.

Practical Implementation and Social Implications:
This study on community health workers (ASHAs, ANMs, and AWWs) in the slums of Noida–Greater Noida reveals their indispensable role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By ensuring reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition (SDG 3), they reduce maternal deaths, improve child nutrition, and prevent adolescent pregnancies and STIs. As an all-women workforce, they challenge patriarchal norms and empower women’s health choices, thereby advancing gender equality (SDG 5). By serving slum-dwelling women, they bridge structural health gaps, reduce inequalities (SDG 10), and strengthen urban resilience. Yet, their potential is constrained by poor remuneration, inadequate training, and lack of recognition. Strengthening their institutional support not only builds trust in public health systems (SDG 16) but also forges stronger state–community partnerships (SDG 17). Socially, empowering CHWs uplifts women, families, and communities, positioning them as agents of transformation whose everyday labour sustains both local well-being and the global equity agenda.

Future Research Plans:
The future research extends into a wide spectrum of interdisciplinary areas that combine International and national Politics, Feminist methodology, Culture, and Gender. Particularly my research areas seek to amplify marginalised voices, preserve cultural heritage and Oral traditions of marginalised voices vis a vis dominant narratives—whether in the field of public health, international politics, or indigenous traditions. Some of my ongoing projects deal with:

a. Storytelling as Defiance in International Relations (IR) where I am exploring how stories and cultural narratives shape the way states and communities understand global politics. Storytelling often works as a subtle yet powerful tool—constructing collective memory, legitimising authority, and influencing foreign policy.

b. Indigeneity, Cultural Erasure, and State Politics: Many indigenous communities face cultural erasure when post-colonial states seek to assimilate or marginalise their traditions. This line of inquiry foregrounds indigenous agency, asking how these communities resist, adapt, and reclaim space in political and cultural discourse.

c. Living archive of Cultural Ecology: Case study of Bishnupriya Manipuri Women in North East India: This study looks at Bishnupriya Manipuri women sustaining cultural ecology through oral traditions, rituals, and everyday practices that link community, memory, and environment.

Practical Implementation and Social Implications:
This study on community health workers (ASHAs, ANMs, and AWWs) in the slums of Noida–Greater Noida reveals their indispensable role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By ensuring reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition (SDG 3), they reduce maternal deaths, improve child nutrition, and prevent adolescent pregnancies and STIs. As an all-women workforce, they challenge patriarchal norms and empower women’s health choices, thereby advancing gender equality (SDG 5). By serving slum-dwelling women, they bridge structural health gaps, reduce inequalities (SDG 10), and strengthen urban resilience. Yet, their potential is constrained by poor remuneration, inadequate training, and lack of recognition. Strengthening their institutional support not only builds trust in public health systems (SDG 16) but also forges stronger state–community partnerships (SDG 17). Socially, empowering CHWs uplifts women, families, and communities, positioning them as agents of transformation whose everyday labor sustains both local well-being and the global equity agenda.