Caritas India commemorated International Women’s Day with an insightful and empowering session on Women’s Health & Well-Being. This special event underscored the critical need to prioritize women’s health in both professional and personal spheres, acknowledging their unique challenges.

The event commenced with a warm welcome to all staff members, with special recognition extended to the female participants. A highlight of the event was the esteemed speaker, Dr. Deepika Khakha, Nursing Advisor at the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

International Women’s Day serves as a time for reflection on the achievements, resilience, and ongoing challenges faced by women worldwide. This year’s event at Caritas India shed light on the pressing concerns surrounding women’s well-being, with a strong emphasis on physical, mental, and emotional health.

Dr. Deepika Khakha, an accomplished nursing professional and researcher with over 81 research publications and notable accolades, delivered an enlightening session covering key aspects of women’s health. She addressed the significance of recognizing women’s health as a distinct and crucial issue, dispelling common myths, highlighting gender disparities, and discussing the socio-economic challenges that impact women’s well-being.

Her discussion also encompassed essential topics such as stress management, mental health awareness, and the influence of societal expectations on women’s health choices. She emphasized the importance of self-care, preventive health measures, and fostering supportive environments at home and in the workplace.

Following this enriching session, Fr. Antony Fernandes, Executive Director of Caritas India, addressed the gathering, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to cultivating a health-conscious workplace and advocating for gender-sensitive policies. He encouraged everyone to recognize women as equals in both strength and intellect, reinforcing the importance of integrating women’s well-being into the core mission of organizations. His message deeply resonated with attendees, highlighting the need for continuous progress towards gender equality.

In a gesture of gratitude and appreciation, Dr. Deepika Khakha was honored with a Caritas India Shawl and Diary, symbolizing the organization’s deep respect for her valuable insights and contributions.

The celebrations continued with a heartfelt initiative by the male colleagues of Caritas India, who organized a special tribute to the women of the organization. This included a touching video presentation, personal reflections shared by women employees, poetry recitations, and a segment dedicated to men’s perspectives on women’s empowerment. The event beautifully echoed the themes of rights, equality, and empowerment, fostering an environment of appreciation and recognition for the invaluable contributions of women.

The event concluded with sincere expressions of gratitude for the informative session and for all attendees who contributed to the meaningful discussion. The need to sustain these conversations beyond International Women’s Day was emphasized, reinforcing a long-term commitment to women’s health and empowerment.

As the session wrapped up, attendees left with a renewed sense of personal and collective responsibility to ensure that women’s health remains a priority. International Women’s Day is not only a celebration but also a call to action—one that inspires meaningful steps toward a healthier and more equitable future for all women.