- Empowering Indian Women Through PCOD Awareness, Advocacy, and Cultural Celebration
- Premiere of She Triumphs: The Doctor in Making Dedicated to Abhaya and thousands of women doctors across the globe
- Doctors on the Ramp: A Symbolic Walk of Tradition, Empowerment, and Healthcare Advocacy
TIL Desk Lucknow:👉The PCODestigmatised Foundation, in association with Vanshati fertility, hosted an impactful event aimed at breaking the stigma around Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD), raising awareness, and empowering women. Held at The Taj Mahal Hotel, Lucknow, in presence of Mr. Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, as the Chief Guest, and Guests of Honor Aparna Yadav – BJP Leader and Upadhyaksh Mahila Ayog, Ex-mayor Mrs Sanyukta Bhatia and Swami Sarang , Global Peace Foundation, the event marked a significant step in India’s PCOS Awareness Month. It brought together a diverse group of medical professionals, policy influencers, and advocates to address the challenges of PCOD and promote better health outcomes for women.
The event opened with the PCOD Forum & Advocacy Session , where distinguished panel of dignitaries and experts, including renowned doctors from across the country, esteemed social workers, respected teachers, former judges, ex-IAS and ex-IPS officers provided valuable insights into the challenges and solutions related to PCOD. The forum emphasized that early intervention is key, as PCOD is not just about fertility. By age 30, over 40% of women with PCOS develop diabetes, and as they age, they face a heightened risk of hypertension, heart disease, brain hemorrhages, and even uterine cancer.
This was followed by the official Launch of the PCODestigmatised Foundation, which highlighted the organization’s mission to reduce the disease burden through grassroots awareness programs, targeted research, and policy advocacy.
Dr. Seema Pandey, Founder of the PCODestigmatised Foundation, outlined the foundation’s mission, saying “PCOD has taken a significant toll on our population, with every fourth to fifth girl affected by this condition. The good news is that much of this can be prevented by addressing lifestyle factors at an early stage. Notably, India has the highest incidence of PCOS worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and action. Our foundation is working at the grassroots level with teenage girls and pregnant mothers to spread awareness about PCOD, its prevention, and cure. Additionally, most of the current data we rely on comes from Western studies, which don’t always align with the needs of our population. That’s why the foundation is focused on researching PCOD within our own communities to develop more accurate and suitable treatments. Through organizing panels, debates, and discussions with policymakers and health authorities, we aim to ensure that the right steps are taken in the right direction to improve the quality of care for women dealing with PCOD in India.”
A major highlight of the event was the premiere of the short film She Triumphs: The Doctor in Making, on the Life of Female Doctors. It was a Dedication to Abhaya, a trainee doctor who was brutally murdered at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital and thousands of women doctors across the globe, a deeply moving and powerful film. Conceptualized and produced by Dr. Seema Pandey, the film was created by Dharakala Productions. This heartfelt cinematic project, supported by the PCODestigmatised Foundation and Vanshati Fertility & IVF, is directed by Rohit Mandal, with the story written by Sachin Pilaniya.
The film highlights both the struggles and the strength of women, delivering a message of resilience and hope.
The event culminated with Shwetambhari, a cultural celebration of purity and tradition that paid tribute to India’s rich craft heritage, particularly the exquisite artistry of Lucknow’s chikankari. This segment featured a unique ramp walk by doctors, symbolizing the confluence of tradition, healthcare, and empowerment.
The PCODestigmatised Foundation is dedicated to making a lasting impact on women’s health through education, research, and advocacy. By addressing the stigma and misconceptions surrounding PCOD, the foundation empowers women across India to embrace healthier lives and overcome the challenges posed by this condition. Recognizing the prevalence of misinformation about PCOS, the foundation also commits to offering emotional support groups where women can share their experiences, receive guidance, and find strength in their collective journey through this condition.
In continuation of this awareness event, tomorrow (22 Sep) the PCODestigmatised Foundation is organizing a marathon, Run for Her, Run for Health, as part of our ongoing awareness drive on PCOD. Run for Her is more than just a race—it’s a movement to empower women, spread knowledge, and inspire change. Every step taken supports better health and a brighter future for women everywhere. Join us tomorrow as we run to raise awareness, educate, and advocate for a healthier tomorrow for women impacted by PCOD.