Speakers at a seminar on Saturday stressed the need to ensure women's mental and physical well-being as a prerequisite for building a healthy society, calling for greater public awareness and easier access to modern healthcare services.
The seminar, titled "Protection of Women's Mental and Physical Health," was organised by the Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Samity (BANASAS) at the National Press Club on Wednesday.
The chief guest, Prof Dr Sheikh Nazmul Huda, chairman of the Department of Public Health at the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), highlighted the indications, benefits and potential risks of Caesarean section (C-section).
He also discussed the role of political decisions and public policies in shaping healthcare services.
He said hysterectomy is not always necessary for young women suffering from conditions such as fibroids, cysts or tumours, noting that advances in modern medical treatment often make it possible to preserve the uterus while providing effective care.
Former Associate Professor of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, Dr Yasmin Jahan Shaheen, called for a nationwide drive to expand cervical cancer screening, increase uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and strengthen public awareness, warning that stigma and late diagnosis continue to claim preventable lives.
Dr Shaheen noted that cervical cancer usually develops gradually over a decade and often remains symptom-free in its early stages. She said the disease is largely preventable through HPV vaccination, ideally administered between the ages of 9 and 14, before exposure to the virus.
She added that treatment varies depending on the patient's condition and the stage of the disease, while early detection is possible through the simple Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening test, which helps identify precancerous changes and enables timely treatment.
Zakia Shishir, convener of the Agrajatra Nari Forum and a human rights activist, said families and society have a critical role to play in safeguarding women's mental health, as women continue to face domestic violence, workplace harassment, social bullying and cyber abuse on a regular basis.
‘Such violence and abuse often leave women struggling with depression and psychological distress, adversely affecting their work, thinking and future aspirations. It also undermines their self-confidence, hindering both their personal and professional development.
Pharmacist and researcher Samin Fardeen Soumik delivered a presentation on osteoporosis, describing it as a "silent" bone disease that gradually weakens bones, leaving them fragile and prone to fractures from even minor falls or routine daily activities.
He said women are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis after menopause due to hormonal changes. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and a family history of the disease are among the major risk factors.
“Osteoporosis can largely be prevented through a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, and limiting excessive salt consumption,” he added.
Among others, Zauhar Iqbal Khan, general secretary of the Dhaka Sub-Editors Council; Shahjahan Swapan, welfare secretary of the Dhaka Union of Journalists; and Nahid Hasan, sports and cultural secretary of the Dhaka Sub-Editors Council, also addressed the seminar.
The programme was chaired by Nasima Akter Soma, President of the Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Samity (BANASAS).
