In the heart of Gurugram, the women empowerment programme of Smile Foundation, Swabhiman is making a far-reaching impact on the lives of over 3500 women and adolescent girls. From daily wage workers and homemakers to small business owners and expectant mothers, these beneficiaries are receiving comprehensive support aimed at fostering self-reliance. Swabhiman strives to provide equal opportunities through quality education, reproductive health awareness, and entrepreneurship development.
A key focus of the Swabhiman programme is to create awareness about safe motherhood practices. The initiative employs various interventions such as follow-ups with Antenatal Care (ANC) and Postnatal Care (PNC), peer learning group meetings with pregnant and lactating mothers, health fairs, ANC sessions, and engaging street plays on nutrition, breastfeeding, immunization, and vaccination. The project also helps women connect with government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Mantra Vandan Yojana.
The dedicated efforts of the team have resulted in remarkable outcomes during the reporting period in Sarhaul and Dundahera. Notably, 104 safe institutional deliveries, immunization of 460 infants, and vaccinations for 85 pregnant women were successfully achieved. Additionally, 15 pregnant women were enrolled in government programmes, enhancing the reach and impact of Swabhiman.
Multi-Specialty Health Camps: Periodic mega multi-specialty health camps further extend the project’s reach in these villages. These camps offer free healthcare services, including doctor consultations, counseling sessions, and various health check-ups such as blood pressure, hemoglobin, eye tests, and sugar tests. Over time, local stakeholders from the community have taken ownership of these camps, collaborating with physicians, lab technicians, dentists, pharmacists, and the Swabhiman team to ensure maximum benefits to the community.
The success of the project is not just in the numbers but also in the sense of ownership and engagement it has fostered within the community. Local stakeholders actively participate in health camps, ensuring that the benefits reach those who need them the most. This collaborative approach has turned these health camps into powerful platforms for community well-being.
Beyond the immediate health outcomes, Swabhiman is contributing to a broader narrative of women empowerment. By ensuring better health and reproductive care, the project is opening up avenues for women to pursue education, entrepreneurship, and various opportunities that were previously hindered by health challenges.
Initiatives like these not only address immediate health concerns but also empower women by connecting them to government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Mantra Vandan Yojana. The collaboration with local stakeholders demonstrates the ownership of the community for healthcare initiatives, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
Recognizing the importance of women status in India is not just a social obligation- it is an investment in the holistic well-being and progress of the nation. Smile Foundation through Swabhiman stands as a testament to the transformative power of empowering women through healthcare, ultimately creating a more vibrant and equitable society.
