Two hundred and thirty-seven of the surviving passports issued in 1932 belonged to women. No profession was recorded for nearly half (108). It is likely that many of these women were accompanying their husbands who were travelling to Britain for leisure, employment or education. Twelve girls came to Britain, escorted by their parents.

For those women who came for employment, by far the largest group was ayahs, numbering 35. However, other categories of female employees are incorporated, including 4 child nurses, 3 lady maids, 4 maids and 2 domestics, and the number of female, South Asian women employed as domestics rises to 48.

A random sample of ayahs from 1932 suggests most were from South India, including Madras and Bangalore. Date of birth details show that several were married, middle-aged women. However, there are exceptions, such as the ayah referred to as 'Jeti, Widow of Asman' from Darjeeling (L/PJ/ 11/1/687). As with male servants the names of employers are usually given. For example, Mrs Arikmari Subramanyam travelled with Mrs H. G. Woodruffe to England (L/PJ/ 11/1/113).

The other main professional category for women was education. Twenty-one of the sample were students. A further 16 passport holders gave their profession as teacher, with 3 involved with education: a professor, a 'physical instructor' and a school assistant.

It is probable that many of the teachers came to Britain for further training. Other professions referred to include:

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