ASSOCHAM Goa hosts menstrual health & hygiene summit 2026, focuses on inclusive WASH solutions

Goa Khabar : The ASSOCHAM Goa Council successfully organised the Menstrual Health & Hygiene Summit 2026 on May 29 in Panaji, bringing together women leaders, government officials, healthcare professionals, educators and corporate stakeholders to discuss key issues related to women’s health, menstrual hygiene and adolescent awareness.

The summit, themed “Enabling Inclusive WASH Solutions: Bridging Gaps from Awareness to Action,” focused on promoting accessible and sustainable hygiene solutions while addressing challenges related to menstrual health and wellness.

Welcoming the participants, Mrs. Bhakti R. Dempo, Chairperson of the Women Empowerment Committee of ASSOCHAM Goa Council, highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court’s January 2026 declaration recognising menstrual health as a fundamental right and stressed the need for effective implementation to bridge existing gaps.

The event’s Chief Guest, Smt. Cheshta Yadav, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Tribal Welfare, Public Grievances and Panchayat, and Director General of GIPARD, emphasised the importance of ensuring health and hygiene services reach every adolescent girl and woman, particularly in rural areas. She called upon all stakeholders to collaborate in strengthening grassroots wellness initiatives.

The summit featured expert sessions by leading healthcare and wellness professionals, including Vd. Sneha Bhagat, Founder of Oorja Wellness Centre; Dr. Nisha Naik, Consultant OBGYN at Wisdom Superspecialist Hospital – Dempo Healthcare; Ms. Anju Rajput Desai, Communication Coach and Wellness Instructor; and Ms. Sukriti Malpani, General Manager, CEO’s Office at Molbio Diagnostics Pvt Ltd.

An interactive panel discussion on “Integrating Tech, Health and Corporate Action” brought together experts from healthcare, technology, social impact and child welfare sectors to discuss innovative approaches towards improving women’s health outcomes and awareness.
The summit also featured a dedicated platform for women entrepreneurs in the health and wellness sector, enabling female founders and startups to present their businesses and explore new growth opportunities.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Jaanavi Prabhudesai, Co-Chairperson of the Women Empowerment Committee, ASSOCHAM Goa Council.