"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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Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
