What challenges do Gujjar women face during childbirth in the Pir Panjal mountains?

Gujjar and Bakarwal women in Jammu and Kashmir often give birth during their long seasonal treks through the Pir Panjal mountains, with limited access to medical facilities and healthcare support. They must deliver their babies under trees, by riverbanks, or in forest shelters, sometimes days without a proper meal.

How does the maternal mortality rate affect the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities?

The maternal mortality ratio in Jammu and Kashmir is estimated to be 46 per 100,000 live births as of 2022, but these figures do not accurately reflect the experiences of nomadic Gujjar and Bakarwal women. Many preventable deaths go unrecorded, as these women rarely reach clinics in time during their arduous treks.

What role do traditional midwives play in supporting Gujjar women during childbirth?

Traditional midwives like Saira Begum are the primary source of assistance for Gujjar women giving birth in remote mountain passages. However, they struggle to save mothers and babies, as they lack access to proper medical supplies and resources. Begum laments that if she falls sick or grows too old, there may be no one to help these women.

Home / Health / Nomadic Gujjar Women Brave Childbirth in Remote Mountain Treks

Nomadic Gujjar Women Brave Childbirth in Remote Mountain Treks

14 Nov

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Summary

Gujjar women give birth during long seasonal treks, often without access to medical care
Maternal mortality remains high as women arrive at hospitals in critical condition
Traditional midwives struggle to save mothers and babies in remote, resource-scarce areas

Nomadic Gujjar Women Brave Childbirth in Remote Mountain Treks

As of 2025-11-14T06:40:19+00:00, the plight of pregnant Gujjar and Bakarwal women in Jammu and Kashmir continues to be a pressing concern. These nomadic herders undertake long seasonal treks spanning over 134 miles (215km) through the Pir Panjal mountains, and for those who go into labor during the journey, the situation is dire.

Last month, 23-year-old Fatima Deader experienced the first labor pains just as the caravan of about 70 pastoralists reached the midway point of their trek. With no access to medical facilities, Fatima was assisted only by her mother and a traditional midwife, Saira Begum, in a damp canvas tent. Hours after giving birth, Fatima had to remount her horse, her newborn carefully tied to her, as the group continued their arduous journey through the dense forest.