Health Leadership and Sustainable Lifestyle

A Wake-Up Call for Women’s Well-Being and a Sustainable Life.

During my recent visit to Delhi and Jharkhand, I had the opportunity to interact closely with women from various walks of life—especially those belonging to middle—and below-middle-class families and underprivileged communities. Whether in urban slums, semi-rural neighborhoods, or remote villages, a common and disheartening pattern emerged: a decline in women’s overall health, energy, and enthusiasm for life.

These women, the invisible pillars of countless households, are burdened with endless responsibilities but receive little in return—no time for self-care, no resources for nourishment, and no encouragement to dream or grow. If we are to talk about health leadership and a sustainable lifestyle, we must begin here—with the grassroots realities that millions of women face every day.

The Reality Check: What I Observed

In both Delhi and Jharkhand, among working-class and underprivileged women, I observed:

– Chronic Fatigue & Poor Health: Women appeared physically drained, suffering from anemia, body pain, and frequent illness.

– Less Nutritional Awareness: Many had no idea about their body types or nutritional needs. Their diets were carbohydrate-heavy and lacking in protein and essential nutrients.

– No Physical Exercise: Life revolves around household chores, yet structured movement—such as walking, stretching, or exercise—is absent.

– Negative Mindset: Daily conversations were filled with complaints, frustration, and blame. There is little positivity or hope.

– No Purpose or Vision: They merely existed—without goals, personal dreams, or any sense of mission in life.

– Undisciplined Lifestyle: Irregular sleep, skipping breakfast, eating late-night meals, and constant multitasking were common.

– High Stress, No Outlet: Emotional distress—whether from financial pressure, domestic burdens, or relationship struggles—was silently carried with no space for healing.

This is not just a health issue—it is a human development crisis. These women are the anchors of families, yet they’re crumbling silently under the weight of survival.

Root Causes Among Middle, Lower-Middle, and Underprivileged Women

1. Limited Education and Access

Health awareness is still a privilege. Women from economically weaker sections rarely receive education about nutrition, menstrual hygiene, mental health, or preventive care.

2. Socio-Cultural Conditioning

In traditional and patriarchal setups, women are expected to serve others first. Their health is not prioritized by their families—or even by themselves.

3. Economic Challenges

Nutritious food, healthcare services, gym memberships, or wellness programs are seen as luxuries in households struggling to meet daily needs.

4. Lack of Role Models in Their Environment

Unlike elite urban neighborhoods, these communities lack visible female leaders who model healthy and empowered living.

5. Digital Illiteracy and Resource Gap

Access to smartphones, the internet, or even basic health apps is minimal. Many women don’t know about free government resources or community health programs.

Health Leadership: A New Vision for Sustainable Living

If we are to transform these communities, we must empower women to take charge of their health and lead by example. Health leadership is about small, consistent actions that radiate outward—first influencing the home, then the community.

1. Education First: Simple Health Workshops

– Use schools, local anganwadis, and community centers to hold basic health education sessions.

– Focus on:

– Affordable, nutrient-rich local foods

– Importance of hydration

– How to cook balanced meals with limited ingredients

– Menstrual hygiene and reproductive health

– Understanding mental health and self-care

2. Build Daily Discipline

– Promote the idea of a simple morning routine: waking before sunrise, stretching or walking, drinking water, and deep breathing.

– Teach meal planning—even on tight budgets—to include dal, leafy vegetables, and seasonal fruits.

– Emphasize early sleep and a fixed routine to help regulate energy.

3. Find Purpose and Passion

– Help women discover small missions—whether it’s educating children, growing a garden, learning a skill, or supporting other women.

– Introduce the idea of Ikigai—finding meaning in life through contribution.

4. Local Women as Wellness Champions

– Identify 1–2 confident women per community and train them as Health Ambassadors.

– These women can lead group walks, host weekly talks, or organize yoga or bhajan sessions for mental peace.

– Encourage peer support and accountability.

5. Wellness Circles for Emotional Healing

– Create safe spaces where women can share openly without judgment.

– Include discussions on emotional resilience, positive thinking, self-respect, and mindfulness.

– Use storytelling, prayer, and art therapy to open hearts and minds.

6. Promote Sustainable Practices

– Kitchen gardens using waste water and compost

– Growing local medicinal plants like tulsi, aloe vera, and neem

– Encouraging reuse and repurposing of items instead of unnecessary consumption

7. Tie Up with Local NGOs and Panchayats

– Encourage NGOs and local leaders to adopt a women’s health village model.

– Organize monthly Health Camps, free yoga classes, and nutrition consultations in underdeveloped areas.

The Role of Positivity in Healing

One of the biggest missing ingredients I saw was hope. A lack of dreams, optimism, or laughter dulls the spirit of even the strongest woman. We must inject energy and purpose back into their lives. This can be done through:

– Success stories from other women in similar circumstances

– Celebrating small victories: walking 5,000 steps, drinking 2 liters of water, waking up early, or eating a balanced thali

– Songs, stories, and cultural practices that promote joy and connection

From Silent Struggles to Stronger Selves

True leadership in health doesn’t always wear a white coat. Sometimes, it’s a mother in Jharkhand who begins walking every morning, a sister in Delhi who teaches her neighbors about iron-rich foods, or a grandmother who teaches yoga to children under a tree.

The women of India—especially those from economically weaker backgrounds—do not need sympathy. They need tools, trust, and a little training. With that, they can rise—not just as survivors but as sustainable life leaders for the next generation.

Let us commit to making health a grassroots revolution, starting with the most overlooked heroes—the women who hold our families, our food, and our future together.

Wishing you Happy Reading!

Dr. Haleema Sadia Global Educator | Corporate Trainer | Author

Dr. Haleema Sadia is an international educator, corporate trainer, and author with expertise in leadership, sustainability, and wellness. She has empowered over 48,000 individuals globally and is the Founder of Edufam Training Services and Eco Visionaries Global Group.

Contact:drhaleemasadia@gmail.com

+971507509125