India continues to strengthen women’s health and empowerment through various national initiatives such as Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matriva Abhiyan (PMSMA), Mission Shakti, the Nirbhaya Fund and Ayushman Bharat.
The month-long campaign aims to reach millions of commuters with messages displayed on metro trains and select stations, highlighting the importance of women’s safety, health and wellbeing; reducing the digital divide; improving access to mental health support for women; PC&PNDT and TB awareness.
Speaking on the occasion, union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said, “A family or a nation cannot truly progress unless women are healthy. The health and safety of women are critical issues. Through this Delhi Metro campaign, we hope to spread this message to a wide segment of the public. This is a powerful medium to take the message directly to the people.”
She also shared that awareness messages on tuberculosis, reducing the digital divide, the PC&PNDT Act, 1994, and other key issues have been displayed both inside the coaches and on the exterior of the metro.
Addressing the increasing ease of access to technologies used for gender determination and selection, the union health secretary noted, “Earlier, people relied on ultrasound to determine the gender of the foetus. Now, new technologies are being used for the same purpose. These practices must stop, and people need to be sensitised accordingly.”
Union health ministry in partnership with the World Health Organization rolled out a month-long Delhi Metro campaign on women’s and girl’s health and well-being at Delhi’s Sultanpur Metro Station on Wednesday.
Strengthening Women’s Health
Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia stated, “Here at this metro station, some journeys end and others begin. Today marks the final day of the 16 days of Activism against gender based violence. And as that campaign ends, another begins. We are proud to launch the Delhi Metro campaign for women’s and girl’s health and well-being, rooted in two simple and enduring truths: Healthy Women=Healthy Nations, and #BecozSheMatters.”
“Healthy women are the pillars of a healthy family, community, and a healthy nation. Health of women and girls, including their mental health, is hence important not just for their well-being, but most importantly for our well-being,” added Boehme.
Punya Salila Srivastava said that India continues to strengthen women’s health and empowerment through various national initiatives such as Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matriva Abhiyan (PMSMA), Mission Shakti, the Nirbhaya Fund and Ayushman Bharat.
The launch also featured a performance by WeBhor, an all women band, reflecting the collective spirit of the campaign and celebrating women’s resilience, dignity, and empowerment. Dignitaries and participants then joined the inaugural campaign ride, reflecting shared responsibility to promote safety, respect and well-being for women and girls.
Boehme emphasised the need for collective action to take this campaign forward, “I thank you for being fellow travellers on this important journey together. Help spread this message and join forces because healthy women make healthy nations.”
