"Periods not shameful, they are natural biological process": NCW Chairperson
New Delhi, May 23
On the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Week 2026, Union Minister for Women & Child Development, National Commission for Women Chairperson and healthcare leaders called for dignity, awareness and accessible healthcare for women across India.
Speaking at the event, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said, "Periods are not shameful, they are a natural biological process. Society must move from silence to awareness and from stigma to dignity. Open conversations, awareness, and accessible healthcare support are necessary for every woman."
The NCW, in collaboration with SHEWings Foundation, organised a special national dialogue on menstrual health and women's well-being at the NCW Auditorium, New Delhi.
During the programme, the "Cancer Screening on Wheels" initiative was also launched to strengthen last-mile healthcare accessibility for women.
The mobile screening bus was also inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Women & Child Development, Savitri Thakur, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, President Women's Club NHPC Shikha Gupta, and Founder of SHEWings Madan Mohit Bhardwaj.
Dr Rajesh Mishra, Medical Director of SHEWings Cancer Center, explained about the medical technology built into the bus. He encouraged all healthy women to get themselves screened through this initiative.
The specially designed screening bus aims to provide doorstep preventive healthcare services for women, especially in underserved and remote communities. The initiative is focused on creating awareness and ensuring early detection of cervical cancer, breast cancer, and other women's health concerns through accessible screening facilities.
The programme witnessed the presence of healthcare experts, educators, social leaders, and youth participants who collectively emphasised the importance of menstrual dignity, awareness, and preventive healthcare.
Addressing the gathering, Thakur highlighted the importance of ensuring healthcare access and menstrual awareness for every woman and girl across the country. She emphasised that breaking the silence around menstruation and women's health is essential for building a healthier and empowered society.
NHPC Women's Club President Shikha Gupta appreciated the meaningful initiative organised on the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Week and congratulated NCW and SHEWings Foundation for the successful event.
She described the launch of the "Cancer Screening on Wheels" initiative as a commendable and impactful step in the field of women's healthcare. She further highlighted that the initiative would play a significant role in providing timely healthcare services to women living in remote and underprivileged areas.
Founder of SHEWings Madan Mohit Bhardwaj, stated, "The Cancer Screening on Wheels initiative is an important step towards reaching women at the grassroots level. Through this bus, women will have access to awareness, screening, and preventive healthcare services directly at their doorstep."
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Cancer Screening on Wheels is such a brilliant idea! Too many women in rural areas neglect their health because they can't afford to travel to cities. This bus could literally save lives by catching things early. Hope it reaches our district soon. 🚑
I appreciate the sentiment but actions speak louder than words. The NCW should also focus on making sanitary pads tax-free and ensuring every school has proper disposal facilities. Talk is cheap when girls in villages still use ash and newspaper because pads are too expensive.
As a government school teacher in Bihar, I can tell you that the stigma is real. Many of my girl students miss 3-4 days of school every month because they feel ashamed. We need workshops for both boys and girls to normalize these conversations. And free pads in schools, please! 📚
Great initiative! But I'm curious about the actual reach. How many buses will there be? Which states are prioritized? Without proper implementation, these launches become just photo-ops. The NCW should publish quarterly reports on screenings done and cancers detected.
So proud to see women leaders talking openly about this! My grandmother never even said the word "period" - she used code words. Times are changing. Kudos to all the organizations involved. And the cancer screening bus is a game-changer for women in remote areas ❤️
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