Chairperson National Commission for Women discusses women's mental health in city seminar

The Confederation of Indian Industry, Indian Women Network, Chandigarh Tricity Chapter, organised ‘Women Wellness Summit 2025’ which saw a huge participation with Chief Guest being Vijaya K Rahatkar, Chairperson, National Commission for Women(NCW).
Rahatkar emphasised that women's overall health is not merely the absence of disease, but a balance between body, mind, and spirit. "It is now time for us to understand that mental health is every woman's right, need, and self-respect," she said.
She added that National Commission for Women (NCW) advocated for women-friendly workplaces and accessible counseling services and that the Commission is working with states to strengthen the provision of trained counselors in primary and community health centers. She also added that the Commission is encouraging open dialogue on mental health through tele-counseling services and awareness programs.
Nandini Chaudhry, Chairwoman, CII IWN Northern Region; Ritika Singh, Chairperson, CII IWN Chandigarh Chapter and Executive Board Member, TiE Women Global; Sakshi Katyal, Co-Chairperson, CII IWN Chandigarh Tricity & Dr Lipi Pathak, Chair, Health & Wellness Vertical, CII –IWN, Chandigarh Chapter were also present.
Said Nandini, "The summit was themed ‘Wellness Redefined – Mind – Body – Purpose’, and it brought together eminent leaders, experts and professionals for an in-depth dialogue on holistic women’s health and with an aim to empower women in relation to their health & wellbeing."
She added, “Women’s health is not just a personal matter. It is everyone’s responsibility that impacts families, communities and the economy at large.”
Ritika highlighted the summit’s broader purpose, of "creating platforms that empower women to make informed choices for their well-being. This summit was aimed at enabling real change through dialogue, policy and partnership.”
Dr Lipi Pathak said, “Health problems in women need to be prevented. Alternative medicine can be an important tool to achieve this by use of lifestyle modifications & holistic living methods. The summit shed light on this strategy too.”
The session titled ‘Empowering women through awareness, the road to cancer-free futures’ was moderated by Sakshi Katyal, with a discussion which saw participation of Dr Bharti Goel, Professor Obstetrics & Gynecology, GMCH – 32, Chandigarh; Dr Sachin Gupta, Director - Medical Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Dr Shaveta Thalan, Consultant, Surgical Gynaecology Oncology, Vikas Chawla, Chef and Author and educator Rupan Bedi .
A session addressed the issue of ‘The Invisible mental load women carry and strengthen the policy framework for women’s health and well-being’. During this discussion Dr Ruby Ahuja, Past Chair CII IWN Chandigarh Tricity Chapter; Dr Vijay Girdhar, SMO & Head – Department of Psychiatry GH, Sector 16, Chandigarh; Dr Parneet Sidhu, Consultant Psychologist, Glory Singh, Counselling Psychologist, Panchkula and Deepali Verma, Life Coach & Soft Skills Trainer shared their views.
A ‘Free Mammography and Bone Density Check-up Camp,’ which emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and early detection was also held. Participants enthusiastically availed of these services, reinforcing the summit’s core message of proactive well-being.