The Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a month-long public awareness campaign through the Delhi Metro, highlighting the importance of women’s and girls’ health, safety and well-being. The campaign will run from 10 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, reaching millions of daily commuters across the national capital.
Focus on Women’s Health, Digital Inclusion and Safety
Launched at Sultanpur Metro Station, the campaign displays messages inside metro coaches and at selected stations, focusing on:
Women’s health and safety
Reducing the digital divide
Mental health support for women
Awareness on TB
Awareness on the PC&PNDT Act, 1994 (gender determination and selection)
These messages aim to initiate public conversation, create awareness and build a collective sense of responsibility.
Significance of Women’s Health for National Progress
Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized that a family or a nation cannot progress unless women are healthy. She stressed the importance of sensitizing the public about unethical practices related to gender determination, noting that new technologies have made such violations easier. She reiterated that these harmful practices must stop.
WHO’s Message: Healthy Women = Healthy Nations
Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO SEAR, highlighted that the campaign is rooted in the powerful idea that healthy women are the pillars of a healthy family, community and nation. As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence concluded, she underlined that this new campaign continues the movement toward gender equality, mental health support and societal well-being.
National Initiatives Reinforcing Women’s Empowerment
India has been strengthening women’s health and empowerment through initiatives such as:
Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
Mission Shakti
Nirbhaya Fund
Ayushman Bharat
These programmes reflect a long-term commitment to improving maternal health, safety and access to healthcare.
Campaign Launch Features and Public Engagement
The launch event included a performance by WeBhor, an all-women musical band symbolizing resilience and empowerment. Dignitaries from the Health Ministry, WHO and UN agencies joined an inaugural metro ride displaying the campaign visuals.
Dr Boehme expressed gratitude to Delhi Metro for supporting the campaign, urging citizens to help spread its message: “Healthy women make healthy nations.”
