Mumbai, September 16, 2023 - Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power company, in its persistent efforts to drive positive change among women and bolster community health held ‘Abha Sakhi Sehat Camp’ in the marginalized and slum areas of Kandivali. The camp marked the transformation of 100 Abha Sakhis from Damu Nagar, Ganpat Patil Nagar, and Amboojwadi in Kandivali into ‘Sehat Mitras’.
Sehat Mitra initiative by Tata Power is aimed to contribute towards improving the health and well-being of women and adolescent girls in underserved communities. Under this initiative, the community women are trained to raise awareness and promote preventive health behaviors in their communities. One of their critical initiatives involves providing accessible sanitary facilities for menstrual hygiene, recognizing the importance of hygiene and comfort during the menstrual cycle. They are also empowered to conduct community health education sessions that focus on various aspects of well-being, such as sanitation and menstrual hygiene, nutrition, mother and child health, institutional delivery, immunization, hygiene, and safe drinking water. Through their dedication and commitment, Sehat Mitras are transforming communities by instilling positive health behaviors and fostering a culture of good health practices among women and adolescents.
In the camp, Abha Sakhis played a pivotal role in providing essential support to pregnant women within the community, particularly focusing on maternal health. They offered invaluable assistance during both Antenatal and Postnatal Care, ensuring the well-being of expectant and new mothers. These empowered women went above and beyond by conducting comprehensive awareness sessions on menstrual health and hygiene, imparting crucial knowledge to fellow community members. They emphasized the importance of using sanitary pads to prevent infections, which has a significant impact on women's health. Tata Power, in its commitment to improving lives, collaborated with these remarkable women and distributed sanitary pads to over 100 women in the community, further promoting hygiene and well-being. Additionally, these Abha Sakhis extended their support to the community by facilitating access to government welfare schemes, ensuring that every community member received the support and benefits they rightfully deserved.
In a statement regarding this initiative, Mr. Nilesh Kane, Chief- Mumbai Distribution for Tata Power, said, "We believe in the remarkable potential of Abha Sakhis, who serve as ambassadors for community transformation. Their extraordinary capabilities and unwavering dedication have significantly improved the socio-economic well-being of women in marginalized communities. We take immense pride in supporting these exceptional women, and we are confident that our holistic approach to community development will continue to drive positive change through awareness and empowerment. Tata Power remains steadfast in its commitment to ongoing community development in Mumbai, ensuring a brighter future for all."
Tata Power empowers communities through women's SHGs throughout the country. This model of community development through SHGs extends to Delhi as Abha and to Odisha as Abha Shakthi. These SHGs not only promote financial empowerment but also advocate for critical causes such as energy conservation, contributing to a sustainable future.