The World Health Organization, in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, launched a month-long campaign focused on women’s and girls’ health and well-being. The initiative was unveiled at a metro station in New Delhi.
Campaign Flagged Off at Delhi Metro
Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia, and Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, jointly flagged off a metro coach branded with the campaign theme “Healthy Women = Healthy Nations” and #BcozSheMatters.
Marking the close of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Dr. Boehme noted that while one campaign concludes, another begins with renewed purpose. She emphasised the enduring message that a nation’s progress depends on the health and empowerment of its women and girls.
Reaching Millions Through Metro Outreach
Throughout December and into January, the campaign will spread key messages across metro trains and select stations. It aims to reach millions of daily commuters with calls to:
- Promote women’s safety, health, and mental well-being
- Bridge the digital divide for women and girls
- Increase access to mental health services
- Prevent misuse of pre-conception and pre-natal diagnostic techniques
- Raise awareness around tuberculosis and other critical health issues
Leaders Highlight Women’s Health as National Priority
Srivastava stressed that no family or nation can progress unless women are healthy and safe. She stated that the Delhi Metro provides a powerful platform to take this message directly to the public.
Reinforcing the message, Dr. Boehme highlighted that healthy women form the foundation of strong families, resilient communities, and thriving nations. She reiterated that women’s physical and mental health are essential not only for their own well-being but for the well-being of society.
Inaugural Ride Celebrates Women’s Strength and Solidarity
Officials, partners, and invitees joined the inaugural metro ride. It symbolised a shared commitment to promoting safety, respect, and dignity for women and girls.
As per the WHO press release, the all-women band WeBhor performed during the journey, using music to celebrate women’s resilience and empowerment. Members of the WHO Youth Council from the YP Foundation also lent their support by amplifying the campaign’s message.
Concluding the launch, Dr. Boehme urged everyone to spread awareness and stand together, emphasising, “Healthy women make healthy nations.”
Campaign to Continue Across Digital Platforms
Running from 10 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, the campaign will extend across WHO’s digital channels and communication platforms. It aims to inspire broader public engagement, advocating for every woman and girl to live a healthy, safe, empowered, and violence-free life.