"She Matters" organised by HIF girls youth highlights women's health, launches project Aafiyah
Mangaluru: Over 100 women from different backgrounds gathered at the HIF auditorium, Masjidul-Ehsaan in Vaslane on Sunday for a special event titled “She Matters – A Gift of Health, From Her to Her.”
The program, organised by Highland Islamic Forum (HIF) Girls Youth, was focussed on women's health and well-being and marked the official launch of Project Aafiyah, an initiative aimed at promoting physical, emotional, and mental wellness among women.
The two-hour session began at 10:30 AM and was led by Dr. Thameema, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. The event opened with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Mafaz, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Shabla, who spoke about the need for open and supportive spaces to discuss women’s health.
The key moment of the program was the launch of Project Aafiyah, formally introduced by Dr. Shirin. The project plans to hold awareness drives, support circles, and offer educational materials on important but often overlooked topics such as menstrual hygiene, fertility, menopause, and cancer prevention.
The main part of the event featured a Women’s Health Awareness Session addressed by three medical experts, Dr. Anjum Ifthikar, Gynaeco-oncologist at Yenepoya Medical College, who spoke about cancer-related issues in women.
Dr. Naina Fathima, Gynaecologist and Senior Resident at Father Muller Medical College, shared insights from her medical experience.
Meanwhile, Dr. Aysha, also a Gynaecologist and Senior Resident at Father Muller, discussed general women’s health matters.
The doctors answered questions submitted by the audience, who could ask anonymously through written slips or an online form. This allowed women to raise personal and sensitive concerns more freely.
As part of the outreach efforts under Project Aafiyah, 125 sanitary napkin packs are being distributed to women in need.
At the event, 75 packs were symbolically handed over to members of the Women’s India Movement, Bengre Kasaba, by Sunaina, Seeliya, and other HIF Women’s Wing members.
Attendees also received a health booklet that includes useful information about menstrual care, menopause, PCOS, breast and cervical cancer signs, and self-check methods.
Guest speakers were presented with mementos by Seeliya, and Reeha delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the efforts of the team, volunteers, and participants.
The event also honoured the vision of the late Mr. M. Ahmed AK, who had hoped the masjid would be more than just a place of prayer, but a hub for learning and community support.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Thameema encouraged the audience to continue the conversation and care for each other, reminding everyone, “Let this be the beginning of more awareness, more care, and more support , because she matters.”
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Dermatologist booked over 'toxic' claims against Nandini products, KMF denies allegations
Bengaluru (PTI): A complaint has been lodged against a city-based dermatologist for allegedly spreading misinformation about Nandini milk products on social media and misleading the public, police said on Thursday.
The complaint was lodged by Padmavathi R, an officer of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which owns the popular Nandini brand, seeking legal action against Dr Sharanya Padma.
In her complaint, Padmavathi stated that Padma had uploaded reels on February 8 claiming that "Nandini products such as cream bun, strawberry-flavoured milk and other beverages are toxic and contain chemicals, and consuming them daily could lead to autoimmune diseases and serious health issues. Long-term consumption will definitely result in cancer in the future."
According to the complaint, the doctor also alleged that strawberry-flavoured milk "does not contain natural strawberries but is prepared by adding artificial colours and preservatives," and questioned how the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had granted permission for the manufacture of such products.
She further claimed in the reel that consuming these products would damage health and that KMF, being a government company, was producing and marketing them for profit.
The complaint quoted her as stating that "these products are not real food but poisonous in nature and KMF should not release such products into the market."
Padmavathi stated that baseless allegations about certain Nandini brand products were being made on social media and that such "false propaganda" had created unnecessary confusion among crores of consumers who had grown up with the brand since childhood.
In a press release issued on February 18, KMF clarified that it strictly adheres to all food safety standards and approved procedures prescribed by statutory authorities and FSSAI. It assured that all Nandini milk and milk products are completely safe for consumption and that consumers need not panic.
The Federation also "strongly condemned such baseless, misleading and brand-defaming statements" and said it was committed to taking legal action against those involved in such malicious acts.
Based on the complaint, police are examining the matter and further action is likely in accordance with law.
There was no immediate reaction from Dr Padma.
