Empowering Women: How Her Voice Is Shaping Futures

A new initiative called Her Voice is making significant strides in women’s health and empowerment, launched by the Artemis Health Sciences Foundation. This movement aims to create safe spaces for dialogue, equip women with essential life skills, and foster a culture where women’s voices are recognized and valued. Shalini Kanwar Chand, Director of Artemis Medicare Services Ltd. and President of the foundation, discusses the inspiration and vision behind this transformative initiative.

Inspiration and Vision

Shalini Kanwar Chand explains that Her Voice emerged from her interactions with women in the community, where she observed the challenges they face, particularly regarding reproductive and emotional health. She noted the pervasive silence surrounding these issues and the societal pressures that women endure. “It highlighted the urgent need for a safe platform that promotes self-worth, well-being, and independence,” she states. This platform encourages women to make informed choices about their bodies, lives, and futures.

The initiative goes beyond traditional healthcare, recognizing that women require support in various aspects of their lives. “Strengthening women requires more than healthcare alone,” Chand emphasizes. “Vocational skills, financial literacy, and confidence-building are equally important for women to thrive socially, economically, and emotionally.” Thus, Her Voice was designed as a holistic movement to address these dimensions for sustainable growth and independence.

Breaking Taboos and Building Resilience

One of the key objectives of Her Voice is to confront taboos surrounding women’s health. The initiative conducts workshops and peer discussions, utilizing storytelling and nukkad natak (street theatre) to create judgment-free spaces where women can express themselves. “By engaging families and communities, these conversations are normalized across generations,” Chand explains. To further support women, the program is establishing helpline services aimed at providing counseling and addressing grievances.

The interconnectedness of physical and emotional health is also a critical focus. Chand highlights that “emotional resilience strengthens overall wellness.” By addressing mental stress alongside physical care, women can achieve a more balanced and sustainable sense of well-being in their daily lives.

Her Voice builds upon previous initiatives like Her Comfort and Her Confidence, which focused on menstrual hygiene, body positivity, and self-respect. “While those initiatives laid the groundwork, Her Voice expands this vision to include life skills, financial literacy, and emotional resilience, creating a more comprehensive pathway to self-reliance,” she notes.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Chand envisions Her Voice reaching thousands of women over the next five years, transforming not just individuals but entire families and communities. “The goal is to normalize conversations on women’s health, inspire economic participation, and build a sustainable, mentorship-driven movement,” she says. Ultimately, the initiative aims to foster a world where every woman’s voice is heard, her choices respected, and her talents allowed to flourish.

Chand’s global experiences have significantly shaped her approach to empowerment. Her time studying in places like Singapore, Harvard, and INSEAD has exposed her to women from diverse backgrounds and cultures. “In India, that translates into blending scientific rigor with empathy—addressing local norms while creating effective, inclusive strategies for empowerment,” she remarks.

To remain grounded, Chand practices mindfulness, journaling, meditation, yoga, and reading. “Meeting people and hearing their stories keeps me connected,” she explains. These practices ensure her work remains empathetic, purposeful, and anchored in real-world experiences.

With initiatives like Her Voice, women are not only empowered to advocate for their health but also equipped with the skills to navigate their lives confidently. This comprehensive approach promises to make a lasting impact on women’s futures.