Background

Women's health is surrounded by stigma in many communities and cultures in India as well as other countries, particularly when it comes to conditions like breast and cervical cancer. Although these are two of the most prevalent cancers in women, the majority of people do not understand the significance of routine screenings or how to perform self-checks. According to the World Health Organization, an average of 60,000 deaths in India are attributed to cervical cancer each year, and the point is that many of these deaths can be avoided with early identification. However, many low-income women fail to be examined because they lack education and face cultural hurdles, which have an impact on their health and well-being. 

This stigma is rooted in cultural taboos and misconceptions surrounding women’s bodies and their autonomy. Given the shame surrounding these topics, many women are discouraged from seeking help. In cases where they are not, many are met with pushback from their family or must confront discrimination from healthcare providers or simply a lack of infrastructure or resources. 

At the same time, even issues without attached stigma, like the loss of muscle and reduced bone density in aging women are left unattended, simply because of the lack of information and education surrounding these issues. This would mean that in addition to reducing stigma, efforts must also be geared towards increasing awareness of women’s health issues. 

The Women’s Initiative for Sensitization and Health (WISH) was created to address these problems and provide women with the information and support they need to take charge of their health. Through workshops, easy-to-understand guides, and partnerships with local organizations, WISH works to reduce the stigma surrounding women’s health issues and empower women to seek the screenings and care they need for a healthier life.