An exploration of sexual well-being among working professional women aged 25-30 in Mumbai: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Sexual Well-being is an integral component of health, yet it is often overlooked, particularly among Indian
working professional women. This group, which balances professional aspirations with strongly ingrained social and
cultural expectations, is uniquely positioned at the intersection of modernity and tradition. In Mumbai,
professional women who benefit from increased employment opportunities often juggle numerous
responsibilities, including careers and roles as daughters,spouses, or prospective mothers. Sexual Well-being, often
seen as taboo, is still a topic that needs further research. This paper seeks to examine women's experiences and
perceptions of Sexual well-being.
Methods: This study uses a qualitative research paradigm. The study is conducted in Mumbai-Maharashtra, India. The
participants were selected through snowball and purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted with the
participants, who were between 25 and 30 years old, working professional women. An interview guide was administered to
working professionals to understand their perceptions of sexual well-being and how these women experience sexual
well-being. The data was analysed according to themes derived from the interviews.
Results: The study shows that personal and sociocultural factors influence their perspectives and
experiences. The findings indicate that although women recognise the significance of their sexual
well-being for their overall health, they nevertheless encounter several challenges in
openly discussing their sexual needs. These barriers mainly stem from cultural stigmas, societal norms,
and insufficient sexual health resources. The study emphasises the need to foster open dialogues and a
supportive atmosphere to enhance sexual wellbeing.61
Conclusion: The study explored the factors that influence sexual well-being among working
professional women in Mumbai. Despite understanding its significance, women face
significant challenges, such as cultural stigmas,societal norms, and restricted access to resources.
The study recommends fostering open communication and enabling women to prioritise
their sexual well-being through public health initiatives, workplace policies, and educational
programs. This will improve their overall wellbeing and foster a more inclusive society that values
this vital aspect of health.