SAHELI
Saheli Initiative: Transforming Women’s Health in Underserved Communities
SUMMARY
The Saheli initiative by Ladli Foundation is dedicated to enhancing women’s health and hygiene in underserved communities across India. With over 75,000 women diagnosed through medical camps and more than 375,000 beneficiaries sensitized on health issues, Saheli addresses critical healthcare gaps, empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being. Through health check-up camps, sensitization sessions, and educational outreach, the initiative creates sustainable improvements in hygiene, reproductive health, and disease prevention for women in slums and marginalized areas.
CAUSE
India's slum population, accounting for approximately 26% of the country’s residents, faces significant healthcare challenges due to malnutrition, unsafe drinking water, unsanitary living conditions, limited healthcare access, and a general lack of health awareness. According to UNICEF India, adolescent girls face high rates of violence, mental health challenges, and risky behaviors, exacerbated by limited knowledge and support systems. Addressing these issues is crucial to breaking the cycle of health disparities in these communities and empowering women to lead healthier lives.
OUR ACTION
Ladli Foundation has taken proactive steps to tackle these critical issues through Saheli. In partnership with sponsors, Saheli organizes free Primary Health Check-up and Sensitization Camps, particularly targeting adolescents and women in slums. Activities include :
Health Camps and Check-ups : Conducted across various slums and vulnerable locations in Delhi, Noida, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Greater Noida, and beyond, these camps provide free health check-ups, HIV testing, and access to required medicines.
Distribution of Saheli Kits : Over 75,000 beneficiaries have received Saheli Kits containing sanitary products, nutritional supplements, and health essentials to promote hygiene and well-being.
Awareness and Counseling Sessions : Workshops and counseling sessions educate women on personal hygiene, reproductive health, STD prevention, safe menstrual practices, nutrition, and mental health support for managing anxiety and depression.
Community Engagement : Utilizing street plays and interactive activities, we raise awareness on issues like communicable disease prevention, hygiene practices, and safe sanitation, making health education accessible and relatable.
IMPACT
The Saheli initiative has been a catalyst for change, significantly improving women’s health and empowerment in underserved communities. Key impacts include :
Health Diagnostics and Awareness : We have successfully diagnosed over 75,000 women through our comprehensive medical camps, identifying critical health issues that often go untreated. More than 375,000 women have been sensitized to vital health information, equipping them with knowledge to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Empowerment through Resources : The distribution of 75,000 Saheli Kits has provided women with essential sanitary and health supplies, significantly improving their personal hygiene and health management. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a sense of dignity and self-worth among the recipients.
Community Engagement and Education : Our health camps have facilitated free check-ups and HIV testing for 1,294 women, ensuring they receive necessary medical attention and follow-up care. Additionally, through engaging workshops and counseling sessions, we have raised awareness about personal hygiene, reproductive health, and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, empowering women to take charge of their health.
Addressing Mental Health : Recognizing the critical link between mental health and overall well-being, our initiative includes counseling sessions that address anxiety, depression, and trauma, which are prevalent in marginalized communities. By providing support and resources, we help women build resilience and cope with life’s challenges.
Sustainable Change : The success of Saheli has led to the launch of Saheli Phase-3, focused on anemia eradication in partnership with Asian Paints. This expansion signifies our commitment to long-term health improvements and sets the stage for a broader impact on women’s health in Rohtak and beyond.
