Dr. Anjum Shaikh
Writing EmpowHER: Wellness, Hygiene, and YOU was a journey born out of both discovery and urgency. During my work on EveCare App, I encountered overwhelming statistics that revealed how widespread and neglected women’s health issues really are. I learned that over 500 million women worldwide lack adequate facilities and awareness on managing menstrual health. This reality shook me, underscoring the gap in basic education. The numbers alone were enough to drive me to act.
As I delved deeper, I uncovered equally troubling gaps in other life phases. Nearly 60% of women worldwide feel they lack sufficient knowledge about menopause, a life stage often steeped in silence and stigma. During pregnancy and postpartum, around 40% of women report feeling unprepared for the physical changes they experience, lacking access to information that could help them navigate these critical times. These statistics illuminated the challenges faced by millions of women—challenges often met in silence and isolation.
I wanted EmpowHER to be more than a book; I wanted it to be a companion, a supportive guide, and a call to action. In EmpowHER, I set out to address these overlooked aspects of women’s health, covering critical yet often taboo topics like menstruation, intimate health, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. My aim was to break down barriers around these issues and create a safe space for readers, one where body positivity, self-care, and open communication could flourish. The book encourages readers to engage in candid discussions with partners, friends, and healthcare providers, building a supportive community around these deeply personal yet universal experiences.
What has been most transformative for me is the response EmpowHER has received from readers around the world. The outpouring of positive feedback on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads has been overwhelming and heartwarming. I’ve heard from men who have read the book to better understand the experiences of their partners, daughters, and mothers—a perspective I hadn’t anticipated but deeply appreciate. There have been readers who shared that they bought the book as a gift for teenage girls beginning their journey with menstruation, helping them embrace this life stage with knowledge and confidence. Each review, each message, each story is a reminder of why I wrote this book—to make a meaningful impact. Knowing that my words are out there, sparking conversations, and perhaps even prompting readers to take charge of their health and wellness, has been the most fulfilling outcome.
Receiving the “International Impact Book Award” for EmpowHER under the Women Empowerment category has been both an honor and a validation of this journey. This recognition reinforces my belief in the importance of addressing women’s health issues and in the power of sharing knowledge.
Becoming an author has changed my life perspective in profound ways. It has connected me to a community of women who are resilient, brave, and eager to learn. Through EmpowHER, I hope to reach every woman who needs a reminder of her strength, her worth, and the beauty of self-love. Together, I believe we are building a world where women can approach every phase of life with confidence, compassion, and unwavering self-belief.
And finally, a heartfelt thank you to Zorba Books, who believed in this vision from the start. Their support brought EmpowHER to life and helped it find its way to the readers who need it most. Writing this book has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life—a journey that has deepened my purpose and broadened my perspective. The journey isn’t over, and as long as there are stories to tell and challenges to overcome, I am committed to walking alongside each reader, every step of the way.
Dr. Anjum is a seasoned healthcare professional with rich and diverse experience of over 17 years in the space. Currently working with IHX as Vice president to revolutionize Indian healthcare with the power of data and technology to ultimately improve healthcare delivery. Dr. Anjum has made significant contributions spanning across Public health while working with NHA-Government of India for ABPM-JAY (Health Benefit packages; Standard Treatment Guidelines) and with PSUs for GIPSA PPN. Dr. Anjum has completed her master’s in healthcare management and bachelor’s in medicine in 2011 and 2005 respectively. She has also received the award of an “Inspiring Leader of the Year 2018”, at the Third Future Women Leader Summit and Awards by Transformance.