News and Insights
Call to action: Women’s health needs to be at the forefront
June 3, 2024
The International Day of Action for Women’s Health presents a timely occasion not only to contemplate the enduring challenges but, more significantly, to delineate the requisites for transitioning from discourse to tangible implementation. It urges the scaling up of actions to bridge the existing gaps in women’s healthcare.
In the latest episode of SPAG/FINN’s dlog Season 2, Ritika Jauhari, Senior Partner, SPAG – A FINN Partners Company, hosted a conversation with three women leaders to commemorate the International Day of Action for Women’s Health. The speakers—Jasrita Dhir, Director Marketing and Communications, Karkinos, Geetika Bangia, Head – Corporate Communications – Stryker India, and Aanya Wig, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Her
Haq—addressed a critical issue: the state of women’s health initiatives. The conversation was not just about acknowledging the disparities but mobilizing action towards tangible solutions.
When posed with the question about whether women’s health gets the necessary priority it deserves, Jasrita highlighted a poignant question: Are women truly prioritizing their own health? She emphasized that women often neglect their own well-being, focusing instead on the health of their loved ones. This self-neglect, she suggested, might be a root cause of the insufficient attention given to women’s health issues.
“I am not merely talking about physical health. I want conversations to start around emotional, mental, and financial health. It’s time women make themselves their top priority,” Jasrita added.
Aanya chimed in, delving into the complexities surrounding women’s health, from access barriers to societal taboos, especially prevalent in marginalized communities. She stressed the importance of community-based interventions, particularly in destigmatizing conversations around sexual health and empowering both women and men with
comprehensive education.
Ritika echoed the sentiment that community-driven approaches are not only effective but also cost-efficient. The conversation then shifted towards actionable steps. Geetika advocated for awareness and education as cornerstones, stressing the need for open dialogue and one-on-one clinics for marginalized women.
“Creating safe spaces for women to have open conversations is important as many misconceptions exist. Therefore, even at an individual level, we should challenge them. Education and awareness are of utmost priority right now,” Geetika added. Jasrita brought a strategic perspective, emphasizing the crucial role of men in women’s health initiatives. She highlighted the necessity of involving men in the conversation and demanding equitable resources. She further spoke about the power of grassroots movements, leveraging local leaders and NGOs to drive sustainable change.
As the discussion evolved, the importance of communication emerged as a common thread. Jasrita emphasized the role of communicators in shaping public perception and driving behavioural change. She shared anecdotes of projects like the AIDS campaign that was successful in addressing the pressing questions and misconceptions attached with the disease. She further stressed the need for representation and relatability in messaging. Moreover, the panelists unanimously agreed on the need for consistency and continuity in raising awareness. Geetika emphasized the importance of starting these conversations at home and utilizing platforms like social media and video content to disseminate accurate information.
Ritika summed up the discussion, likening it to a building block strategy, where each conversation and campaign contributes to an evolving narrative. She underscored the importance of persistence and inclusivity in driving lasting change. This seminar wasn’t just a forum for dialogue; it was a call to action. It was a reminder that mobilizing for women’s health isn’t just about addressing medical needs—it’s about challenging societal norms, empowering individuals, and building inclusive communities where every woman’s health is a priority. And as the panelists concluded, the journey towards equity and wellness begins with a single conversation, building up to a chorus of
change.
Watch the full conversation here, https://www.spag.asia/news-insights/building-communities-mobilizing-action-for-womens-health-initiatives/
TAGS: Health, Technology