The We Women Want Festival & Awards 2024 kicked off today at the Taj Ambassador Hotel in New Delhi, with high expectations and a strong agenda focused on women’s health and empowerment. The event was inaugurated by Rishabh Gulati, Editor-in-Chief of NewsX, who highlighted the initiative’s growth, including previous conclaves held in Delhi and Mumbai. This year’s conclave aims to capture diverse perspectives on how to further women-led development.
The day-long festival will witness enthralling conversations by eminent speakers from all walks of life as they share their stories of womanhood. The We Women Want Festival will honour exemplary women with The Shakti Award 2024.
Over the past three years, the ITV Network has significantly expanded, now employing 1,100 journalists across nine news channels, five newspapers, and 42 digital platforms. The network’s YouTube channel alone has garnered over 200 million views, showcasing its commitment to women’s issues.
During the festival, Dr. Aruna Kalra, Director of OBGYN at CKB Hospital, Dr. Gita Prakash, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Max Healthcare, and Madan Mohit Bharadwaj, Founder of Shewings Healthcare, shared their insights on pressing health issues facing women.
Dr. Aruna Kalra emphasized that lifestyle diseases such as Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are becoming increasingly common among women. She explained that these conditions are often linked to lifestyle choices and can lead to serious complications, including diabetes and infertility. She urged women to adopt healthier habits, including regular exercise and proper sleep, to mitigate these risks.
“PCOD or PCOS is not a disease,” Dr. Kalra stated, explaining that lifestyle changes can significantly improve health outcomes.
Dr. Gita Prakash echoed Dr. Kalra’s sentiments, adding that issues like thyroid problems and anemia are prevalent among women. She stressed the importance of cervical cancer vaccination for girls and advocated for open discussions about bodily changes starting at a young age.
“Parents should initiate conversations about puberty around ages 10 to 12, ensuring children feel comfortable discussing these topics,” she advised.
Madan Mohit Bharadwaj addressed the societal factors that contribute to women’s health neglect. He pointed out that many young women overuse emergency contraceptive pills, which can lead to significant health risks.
“Condoms should always be used for safe sex,” Bharadwaj emphasized, calling for greater awareness and education around contraception. He noted that it’s essential to foster open conversations about sexual health within families to normalize these discussions.
Bharadwaj also highlighted Shewings’ commitment to menstrual health, introducing the world’s minor friendly sanitary pad, made from 100% viscose with a plastic-free top sheet. He advocated for plastic-free periods to enhance women’s health outcomes.
The We Women Want Festival & Awards 2024 serves as a crucial platform for addressing women’s health issues, empowering women with knowledge, and fostering open discussions about health and wellness. As the festival unfolds, it continues to shine a spotlight on the importance of prioritizing women’s health and well-being in today’s society.
