Voices of Change: Fareen’s Journey to Empower Women through Health Awareness

In the quaint town of Nuh about an hour away from the millennium city of Gurgaon, resides the resilient Fareen Hussain. Despite the close proximity to one of the biggest cities in India, life in Nuh stands still. Within its predominantly male-dominated Muslim community, women have long been confined to traditional roles as caretakers and child-bearers. Since 2016, Fareen has been a transformative force, reshaping the lives of women across 60 villages in the Nuh district and inspiring them toward a brighter future. Known for her radiant smile and unwavering determination, Fareen is cherished in every household in the Mewati block, encompassing Nuh, Tauda, and Indri. Fareen's groundbreaking work, primarily through the community radio station Radio Mewat, has been a beacon of change. Her innovative outreach programs have educated women on essential health practices, leading to improved maternal health, increased institutional deliveries, menstrual hygiene, immunizations for children, greater awareness of family planning and prevention of domestic violence. Her mobilization work has enabled over 80% footfall of women at the CHC, addressing the last-mile connectivity between the community and the healthcare system. Her efforts have significantly altered the health and social landscape of the region. Fareen’s vision is centered on the empowerment of Mewati women and she believes that empowerment begins with their health. She believes that the journey begins with autonomy, of the self, and of the body—allowing women to decide when to marry, how many children to have, and how to prioritize their health. While Fareen has achieved remarkable progress, she remains committed to doing even more, driven by her unwavering dedication to fostering confidence, independence, and empowerment among the women of Nuh.