Creating a sustainable environment for the women and the girl child from the most vulnerable sections of the society by creating an educated, healthy, and self-sustainable community of empowered women.
Dr. Parvin Banu, working as a Professor in the Department of Anaesthesiology at IPGMER. Since her childhood, she always thought to do something for those who are in distress. While in school she used to teach the children of domestic workers. As she pursued her carrier in medical science she got chances to interact with people more & more. While doing housestaffship in Gynaecology & Obstetrics the distress of females especially from rural & poorer backgrounds had shaken her conscience. At this point, she selected to join W.B. health services way back in December 1990. She was ready to forego her comfortable city life & followed her passion. She worked as a Medical officer in rural Bengal in districts like Nadia, Murshidabad & north 24pgs. The training of CSSM (child survival & safe motherhood) in the early 90s was an eye-opener for her. This made her realize that treating a patient/ woman medically is not enough. Her approach was more holistic. According to her, treatment does not end with medication only. She always tries to empathize & make the patient understand the nature of the disease. She believes that would make the woman more capable to handle the adverse related situation which in turn will make them an indispensable part of societal health. From 1990 to date, she is in the health sector of WB Govt. where she served in different capacities as a medical officer, specialist & faculty in medical education. This has helped her to think beyond disease. Her exposure as a medical officer in Haj Mission by Govt of India( 2002-03, 2003-04) made her understand the problem of women all over the world are more or less similar & to some extent unique in nature.
This experience & exposure has led Dr. Parvin Banu to go a step further. She has now dedicated herself towards the betterment of adolescent boys & girls. Experience as a doctor over the years has enabled her to focus more on the complete psychosocial development of a child. The male child is also initiated to the knowledge of the normal physiological aspect of a girl of his age group. This may help to improve the interpersonal relationship amongst adolescent boys & girls, & a sense of respect & responsibilities towards each other. Dr.Parvin believes that this will have a far-reaching impact on society.
More specifically she is now working on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in an individual capacity & at times with different organization as a resource person. As a staunch believer in woman empowerment, she knows if a girl child is properly educated about her rights & needs that would be the strongest foundation for the next move. “Menstruation” the inaugural ceremony of womanhood in a girl’s life is the most prestigious event. Hence her passion has driven her to take care of this key area.