Sociology Chair Delivers Keynote at International Conference

Gesine Hearn, chair of the Department of Sociology, Social Work and Criminology, delivered a keynote presentation at the 10th World Conference on Gynecology, Obstetrics and Women Health on Oct. 24.

The talk, which took place in Zurich, Switzerland, focused on the findings of a study of prenatal care among dalit women in rural Nepal. Interviews with the women, who make up one of the most disadvantaged groups in the world, revealed that lack of capital, discrimination and unequal domestic and economic burden impact the use of prenatal care.

“The use of prenatal care might be improved by informing women about free services and incentives, better access and transportation and heightened sensitivity to the situation of these women,” Hearn said.

The study was conducted under Hearn’s supervision by sociology master’s student Dipa Sharpa Gautam. The pair later wrote an article based on findings from the study, published April 2019 in Health Care for Women International.

The World Conference on Gynecology, Obstetrics and Women Health convenes scholars and practitioners from around the world to present on a variety of topics related to women’s health. For Hearn, it presents an opportunity to showcase research collaboration between graduate students and faculty in the College.

“The presentation might also further policy and program development to enhance women’s health in Nepal and other countries with low prenatal care rates and high maternal mortality rates,” she said. “Many influential healthcare practitioners and healthcare officials attend the conference.”