New Delhi: International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the strength, resilience, and transformative power of women across the globe. It’s a day to recognise their contributions to society. This year, Banega Swasth India shines a spotlight on five remarkable women who are not only making a difference in their fields but also championing the cause of health and hygiene, paving the way for a healthier and more equitable India.
These women, each with unique stories and expertise, are united by their dedication to improving the lives of others, in the realms of public health and social development.
Dr. Komal Goswami, Chief of Party at PLAN International India, is a dynamic leader who has made significant strides in public health and sanitation. From her early days as a practitioner to her current role leading teams across 15 states, Dr. Goswami has consistently demonstrated her ability to build transformational strategies that create impact on the ground.
Dr Komal has been actively involve in spreading awareness about public health and sanitation
Her achievements, including numerous national and international awards, highlight her dedication to improving the lives of marginalised communities. Her work, ranging from sanitation worker upliftment to climate change solutions, showcases her commitment to holistic well-being.
Watch: #BanegaSwasthIndia #WomensDaySpecial | Dr. Komal Goswami – Championing Health & Hygiene Across India
Trishita, National Program Manager at Plan India, is driven by a passion to bring positive change to society, focusing on adolescent sexual and reproductive health. With over eight years of experience working with diverse communities, she has played a pivotal role in government-led campaigns like Swachh Bharat Mission. Her dedication to community engagement and her ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes make her a powerful advocate for adolescent health.
Trishita, National Program Manager at Plan India, is passionate about driving social change, especially in adolescent sexual and reproductive health
Dr. Shreya Singhal’s journey is a testament to the power of blending clinical expertise with strategic leadership. From her early years in oncology to her current role as a National Project Manager at PLAN India, she has consistently strived to create systemic change in healthcare.
Dr. Shreya Singhal works towards maternal and child health
Her work in maternal and child health, coupled with her expertise in infectious diseases and global health, makes her a force to be reckoned with. Her commitment to continuous learning and her ability to bridge the gap between clinical and administrative landscapes have earned her numerous accolades.
In the realm of hygiene education, Dr. Supriya Verma leads the Banega Swachh India – Dettol School Hygiene Education Programme at Jagran Pehel. With over 15 years of experience in statistics and demography, she specialises in monitoring and evaluating public health and CSR projects.
Dr Supriya is a part of Dettol School Hygiene Education Programme at Jagran Pehel
Her work focuses on behavioral studies related to WASH, maternal and child health, and women’s empowerment. Dr. Verma’s expertise in data-driven insights and policy recommendations is crucial in shaping effective hygiene initiatives across India.
Watch: Women’s Day Special: Real Women, Real Routines
Dr. Shachi Adesh, a public health professional, has spent nearly two decades towards improving maternal and child health in Rajasthan. As the State Team Leader for MAMTA HIMC, she has partnered with numerous prestigious organisations, driving impactful change through her expertise in project management, training, and research.
Dr. Shachi Adesh has devoted almost 20 years to maternal and child healthcare
From her early days heading the Department of Social Work at Don Bosco College to her current leadership role, Dr. Adesh embodies the spirit of dedication and empowerment, proving that knowledge and compassion can transform communities.
These five women, through their roles and dedication, are not only shaping a healthier India but also inspiring generations to come. They remind us that true leadership lies in serving others and that every effort. This Women’s Day, let’s celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
Watch: Women’s Day Special: Messages From Women Making A Difference, For Women And The World
NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via the Banega Swachh India initiative, which in its Season 10 is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – the LGBTQ population, indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In a world post COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fight malnutrition, mental well-being, self-care, science and health, adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity, which is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.
