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Trianon Scientific Communication

Embracing intersectionality in science - Anandi Gopal Joshi's revolutionary journey in medicine: from child bride to pioneer (Chapter 8)

Updated: Nov 5


In our series "Embrace intersectionality in science: the key to innovation and sustainability," we explore the lives of scientists who navigated multiple challenges to push the boundaries of knowledge and social progress. Today, we focus on Dr. Anandi Gopal Joshi, whose remarkable journey embodies the essence of intersectionality in 19th-century India and America.


A child bride with a thirst for knowledge, helped by a so called "progressist" husband.


Born as Yamuna on March 31, 1865, in Kalyan, India, Anandi Gopal Joshi's life was marked by a significant contradiction: she was married at the age of nine years old, a practice that is unequivocally unacceptable today. However, her husband, Gopalrao Joshi, was a progressive thinker who championed the education of women—an avant-garde notion for that era.[1]


Anandi Gopal Joshi's educational journey commenced with learning to read Marathi, her native language. Despite societal resistance, Gopalrao remained committed to her education. Their path was fraught with challenges as they relocated from Kalyan to Alibaug, then Kolhapur and Calcutta, in pursuit of better educational opportunities for Anandi Gopal Joshi.


Gopalrao's teaching methods were often harsh and reflective of the patriarchal norms of their time, involving physical punishment.


Years later, Anandi Gopal Joshi expressed her gratitude for the chance to learn but also questioned the appropriateness of such methods in a letter to him. This duality highlights both the progressiveness of her education and the troubling realities of child marriage and gender inequality in her society.[2]


A path to medecine born from personal tragedy


A personal tragedy

Anandi Gopal Joshi's motivation to pursue medicine was significantly influenced by the tragic loss of her infant son when she was just 14 years old. This experience made her acutely aware of the healthcare disparities affecting women, particularly the need for female doctors who could provide care in a culturally sensitive manner.

She understood that having female doctors would empower women to seek medical assistance without fear or shame. As a matter of fact, many women in her society were reluctant to seek help from male physicians due to societal norms.


This advocacy became a central theme in her decision to enter the medical field, as she aimed to improve health outcomes for women in her community.


The key support of her husband

Anandi Gopal Joshi's journey to becoming a doctor was both groundbreaking and emblematic of her unique intersectionality as a woman of Indian heritage in the late 19th century.

With the encouragement of her husband, Gopalrao Joshi, Anandi Gopal Joshi pursued higher education despite numerous obstacles.

Her husband insisted on her acquiring an education and supported her ambition to study medicine abroad. This support was crucial in enabling her to overcome societal barriers and fulfill her dream.


Admission to the Medical college of Pennsylvania

She sought admission to a medical college abroad. Despite societal resistance, she eventually received an opportunity from Mrs. Theodicia Carpenter, an American missionary, who offered her support and guidance. In June 1883, Anandi Gopal Joshi traveled alone to the United States, where she enrolled at the Women's Medical college of Pennsylvania.


In America, Anandi Gopal Joshi faced cultural challenges and health issues but remained focused on her studies. She excelled academically and became the first Indian woman to earn a medical degree in 1886. Her thesis on "Obstetrics among Aryan Hindoos" highlighted her commitment to addressing women's health issues in India.[3]


Intersectionality and innovation


Anandi Gopal Joshi's experiences also highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in medicine. By becoming a doctor, she aimed not only to treat patients but also to understand and respect their cultural backgrounds, which would enhance the quality of care she could provide.


Anandi Gopal Joshi's intersectionality as a Hindu Brahmin woman significantly influenced her innovative approach to medicine. She bridged cultural gaps by advocating for women's health while navigating the complexities of being an Indian woman in a Western medical environment. Her experiences allowed her to challenge societal norms and promote discussions around early marriage and women's health.


Challenging the status quo

Anandi Gopal Joshi's correspondence with Mrs. Carpenter offers profound insights into women's issues, effectively bridging Eastern and Western perspectives.


Through their letters, Anandi Gopal Joshi articulated her thoughts on early marriage and its detrimental effects on women's health, highlighting the urgent need for female doctors in India. This exchange not only facilitated a cross-cultural dialogue but also allowed Anandi Gopal Joshi to express ideas that might have been deemed controversial in her own society.


Their discussions encompassed the status of women and the necessity for legislative changes to combat practices like child marriage, illustrating Anandi Gopal Joshi's emerging feminist consciousness.


By sharing her experiences and challenges, she fostered a mutual understanding that enriched both her own worldview and that of Mrs. Carpenter. This connection exemplified how cross-cultural understanding can lead to innovative ideas and advocacy for women's rights, ultimately contributing to Anandi Gopal Joshi's legacy as a pioneering figure in medicine and women's health.


Anandi Gopal Joshi died at 22 years old.

Anandi Gopal Joshi died on February 26, 1887, at the young age of 22. Her health had deteriorated significantly due to tuberculosis, which she contracted during her time in the United States while studying medicine. Despite being diagnosed before returning to India, her condition worsened during the journey home, exacerbated by inadequate medical care and societal prejudices she faced as a woman of color. After returning to India, she sought treatment but ultimately succumbed to the disease.


Anandi Gopal Joshi's passing was mourned throughout India, and her ashes were sent to Mrs. Carpenter, who honored her memory by placing them in her family cemetery in Poughkeepsie, New York.



Her long-term impact: Anandi Gopal Joshi's contributions to medicine


Anandi Gopal Joshi made several key contributions to the field of medicine that have had a lasting impact, particularly in advocating for women's health and promoting cultural sensitivity in medical practices.


Advocacy for women's health

Anandi Gopal Joshi was a pioneering advocate for women's health, emphasizing the critical need for female physicians to address the unique health issues faced by women. She recognized that many women were reluctant to seek medical help from male doctors due to cultural norms, which often left them without adequate care. By becoming a doctor herself, Anandi Gopal Joshi aimed to fill this gap and empower women to take control of their health.


Cultural sensitivity

Her deep understanding of Indian customs allowed Anandi Gopal Joshi to develop culturally appropriate healthcare practices. She was aware that effective medical care must consider the cultural context of patients, which enabled her to approach healthcare with empathy and respect for traditional beliefs. This sensitivity not only improved patient trust but also facilitated better health outcomes for women in her community.


Inspiration for future generations

Anandi Gopal Joshi's achievements continue to inspire countless Indian women, demonstrating that education and ambition can transcend societal constraints. Despite her untimely death at the age of 22 due to tuberculosis, her legacy endures. She paved the way for future generations of women in medicine and ignited conversations about gender equality and healthcare access that resonate today.


Anandi Gopal Joshi’s story serves as a powerful reminder that innovation often arises from diverse experiences and perspectives. Her life exemplifies how one individual's determination can challenge societal norms and inspire systemic change.


Legacy and recognition


Although Anandi Gopal Joshi's life was tragically cut short, her influence has been recognized in various ways. The Maharashtra government honors her memory by offering a fellowship for young women working on women's health initiatives. Additionally, her grave in Poughkeepsie, New York, stands as a testament to her extraordinary journey and the cross-cultural bonds she formed.


In summary, Anandi Gopal Joshi's contributions to medicine were not just about her role as a doctor; they encompassed advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and inspiration that continue to impact women's health today. Her legacy is a testament to the power of education and the importance of addressing gender disparities in healthcare.



Conclusion: lessons for today's scientific community


Anandi Gopal Joshi's life and work offer valuable lessons for embracing intersectionality in modern science:


1. Recognize that diverse backgrounds and experiences can lead to unique insights and innovations.

2. Create inclusive environments that welcome and support scientists from all walks of life.

3. Encourage cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle complex global challenges.


By embracing intersectionality, we can foster a more innovative, sustainable, and equitable scientific community capable of addressing the complex challenges of our time.



This article is part of a series exploring the importance of intersectionalty in science for innovation and sustainability



 

[2] Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 31, No. 49 (Dec. 7, 1996), pp. 3189-3197 (9 pages), Published By: Economic and Political Weekly

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