Goa Cooperatives Drive Women’s Health Through Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan
In a significant push for women’s health and community participation, the Department of Cooperation, Government of Goa, has called upon all cooperative societies, self-help groups (SHGs), federations, and affiliated institutions to take an active role in implementing the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan a national initiative aimed at improving the well-being of women and adolescent girls.
This initiative marks a crucial step toward ensuring that every woman and young girl in Goa has access to timely, preventive healthcare and awareness resources.
Mobilising Cooperatives for Community Health
In a circular issued by Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Ashutosh Apte, the department has instructed cooperative entities across Goa to mobilise women and adolescent girls to participate in free health check-ups being conducted at government health facilities statewide.
These check-ups are part of a larger mission to ensure early detection of health issues, promote wellness habits, and strengthen the preventive healthcare network at the grassroots level.
Collaborative Effort With Local Health Networks
The department has also encouraged cooperatives and SHGs to collaborate closely with panchayats, health officers, ASHA and ANM workers, and anganwadis to ensure comprehensive field-level outreach.
Such partnerships are expected to improve participation rates and bridge gaps in rural healthcare access. By bringing together local institutions, this campaign aims to transform community-based health management into a sustainable model of collective action.
Awareness Drives and Local Engagement
In addition to mobilising participants for health check-ups, cooperatives and SHGs have been urged to conduct awareness sessions, health talks, and local campaigns to educate communities about preventive healthcare, nutrition, hygiene, and the importance of early diagnosis.
These activities are designed not only to promote participation but also to break social taboos surrounding women’s health a critical step toward empowerment and equality.
Family Support and Inclusive Outreach
The department’s circular also highlighted the importance of family support in the campaign’s success. It urged cooperative members to encourage their families and communities to support women and girls in attending health check-ups.
This inclusive approach ensures that no woman or adolescent girl is left behind due to social barriers, stigma, or logistical challenges.
Accountability and Monitoring
All participating organisations have been directed to submit reports within 30 days detailing their awareness and mobilisation activities. The Department of Cooperation will monitor these reports to assess engagement levels and measure the initiative’s impact across districts.
Such structured follow-ups reflect the department’s emphasis on accountability, coordination, and measurable progress in public health initiatives.
A Step Toward Sustainable Community Health
The Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan represents a holistic approach to public health — blending government leadership with community participation. By involving cooperatives and SHGs, Goa is ensuring that women’s wellness is no longer just a policy goal but a shared community responsibility.
This initiative aligns with Goa’s ongoing efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare, promote gender equity, and create resilient social support systems through active citizen participation.
