chatter matter
Awareness about women’s health, especially in underserved communities, continues to depend on access, conversation and early education delivered in safe and trusted spaces. Building on this need, Umeed by Ladiesfund of Dawood Global Foundation, in collaboration with SINA Health, Education & Welfare Trust and Ruhamaa Bridge for Orphans, hosted a ‘Heart to Heart’ Breast Cancer Awareness Session at the SINA Katchi Abadi Branch, bringing essential health education directly to the community.
The session engaged over 120 women, many of them widows and single mothers attending with their children, creating a safe, family-friendly environment centred on awareness, early detection, and practical guidance. The programme was co-chaired by breast cancer survivor Sima Kamil, who led with empathy, stressing the importance of timely screening and accessible healthcare. “The women who gathered were eager to share their personal stories, journeys of resilience despite immense challenges. The engagement was deeply moving and showed how powerful awareness can be when it reaches people directly,” she shared.
Fauzia Maung Khuhro, a survivor, shared her personal journey and conducted a hands-on demonstration of self-examination, encouraging women to take ownership of their health. “Breast cancer affects not just individuals but entire families. What stood out was how open and curious the women were, asking questions and sharing experiences with honesty. Knowledge brings clarity, and clarity brings strength.”
Participants reflected a similar sense of impact. Shazi, a widow attending the session, said, “I learned how important it is to regularly check our breasts and recognise early signs. This session helped me take my health seriously.” Another participant, Sadaf, shared, “I gained knowledge about self-care and personal safety, which made me more confident and aware.”
On-site screenings were also conducted, with high-risk individuals referred for further diagnostic testing. Dr Naseeruddin Mahmood noted that over 36 women returned for examinations, with more than 10 per cent showing concerning findings that required follow-up care.
Tara Uzra Dawood, CEO Ladiesfund, emphasised the broader vision, “Empowering women with health knowledge strengthens families and communities. Early detection saves lives and this awareness must reach every woman.”
Dr Sabeen Shah, CMO, SINA, stated that “the initiative will expand across its clinics, building on strong community response.”
The initiative reflected a coordinated effort to combine awareness, medical access and community support, ensuring that essential health education reached women who often have limited exposure to preventive care.
- You! desk
