AR
UR
Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare service providers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and India conducted a multi-speciality medical and wellness camp at Infracare ladies' accommodation in Al Quoz. On the occasion of International Women's Day, the camp has been organised by Aster Volunteers - the global corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Aster DM Healthcare.
The initiative has been implemented in partnership with GEMS Education to provide necessary support to more than 400 underprivileged women from Infracare ladies’ accommodation at Al Quoz and Sonapur camps.
Over the last few years, Aster Volunteers Diva programme has been working towards enhancing the welfare of underprivileged women and empowering them through multiple initiatives.
The organisation's Diva 2.0 initiative also aimed at strengthening the health and wellness of low-income women through various facilities such as a medical camp, health education sessions, entertainment activities, and motivational talks from prominent women leaders.
This year's event was led by women doctors and volunteers from all three arms of Aster DM Healthcare — Aster, Access and Medcare. Furthermore, external women workers from School Transport Services (STS) also participated in the initiative.
Educating women on health
Alisha Moopen, deputy managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, participated in the initiative and underlined the health and wellness concerns faced by women, particularly in the low-income category. They tend to overlook their own health and wellbeing due to other concerns related to earning livelihoods and providing for their families.
Noting the difficulties faced by these women, the health camp is aimed at improving their overall wellbeing as well as educating them on taking care of their own health along with others.
"Diva has been running successfully for the past few years and our target has always been the women from lower strata of society who are working to make ends meet so that their children and families can have a good life. We feel this is our fundamental responsibility of volunteering, being an organisation with almost 60 per cent women in the workforce comprising 24,000-plus employees across seven countries," she added.
She further underlined the equal responsibility of men and women in supporting women suffering due to the repercussions of the pandemic crisis. Aster's programmes, including Diva, are aimed at supporting and strengthening these women to overcome the challenges.
The event was backed by Malabar Gold, Al Rawabi, Oasis, Air Arabia, Grand Hyper, Burger King, Avon, Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, Oasis, Cosmo Cosmetics, Emami and Aster Pharmacy. Women participated in several fun activities and won various grand prizes.
Entertainment and educational programmes
The event was marked by the participation of women from all emirates including, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Sharjah and Dubai. Starting with a medical camp and BLS training for women, the event also saw a series of entertainment and education programmes which were joined by Aster Volunteers and women at Infracare ladies' accommodation.
Women in need of psychological support were given special attention by psychologists. They were given special stress-relieving tips to realise their full potential and provide their best at their workplace as well as social front.
In the last five years, Aster Volunteers has developed into a global movement. With more than 42,000 volunteers, the event has touched the lives of 3.5 million people across the world.
SOURCE: Gulf News