Woman power Empowering women and children has been a lifelong mission for Dr Armida Fernandez, says Monica Fernandes Daughter of an English professor who retired as principal of Karnatak College, Dharwar, Dr Armida Fernandez was the only one of her seven siblings who decided to study medicine. While doing her MD in paediatrics from KEM hospital in Mumbai, she met Dr Rui Fernandez - also doing his MD but in dermatology. The two married in 1968 and, after completing their post-graduation, both worked for the municipal corporation. After working for three decades at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital (Sion Hospital) in Mumbai, Dr Fernandez retired as dean in 2001. She had chaired seminars and presented papers on neonatal care and breast feeding at medical conferences in India and abroad, but it was her initiatives to improve the health of infants that made greater impact. She not only persuaded mothers to inoculate their children but also convinced them that human milk was best for neonates as it prevented diseases in later life. In 1989, she set up a human milk bank in Sion Hospital, the first of its kind in Asia. During her tenure at the hospital, Dr Fernandez came across mothers from the Dharavi slums. Preoccupied with "food, housing, domestic violence and social acceptance", personal health was a non-issue for these women. Selflessly focused on being good mothers, their own needs merited lowest priority. The desire to transform the lives of these women led her to establish an NGO in Dharavi, much before Asia's largest slums catapulted to fame with Slumdog Millionaire. Together with Patricia Soans - who made a generous financial contribution with her late husband Neville - SNEHA (Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Care) was formed in 1999 in a BMC (Bombay Municipal Corporation) property. Meaning 'love' in Sanskrit, SNEHA is all about the empowerment of women and children with a holistic approach to address social inequalities and issues. Assistance came from many large-hearted individuals who also wanted to make a difference. While a prominent philanthropic builder conducted the building repairs free of charge, others donated furniture, sewing machines and computers. Working for both mother and child, the organisation focuses on nutrition, domestic violence and empowerment of women. It has adopted a multi-pronged approach to improve their living conditions. Besides providing medical treatment, its City Initiative for Newborn Health aims to prevent neonatal deaths by working through existing health services and community participation. New mothers are taught the importance of hygiene in caring for their children. Efforts are made to empower women living in the slums. For instance, during a visit to the Dharavi slums, a group of women is educated about nutrition and health issues. They are given guidance about obtaining ration cards and birth certificates, and solving issues of water supply. In turn, these women reach out and empower other women. SNEHA has a trauma centre where battered women are taught skills like tailoring in order to secure gainful employment. Families are counselled for possible reconciliation - Nasreen being a case in example. Tortured in her husband's absence, her in-laws were on the verge of setting her on fire after they broke her arm and she became unconscious. With the help of a compassionate taxi driver, her two young children brought her to SNEHA. Counselling and legal intervention helped restore happiness for Nasreen and her family. SNEHA began in 1999 with a solitary social worker. Today, there are branches in Dharavi, Santacruz and Ghatkopar in Mumbai and the staff count of dedicated professionals, including a psychiatrist and legal advisor, is more than 50. It also has a veritable army of volunteers - some from countries like the US, South Africa and Canada. Partnering with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, ICICI Social Initiative and UNICEF in its initiatives, the organisation has been fortunate to receive unstinted support from prominent doctors, citizens and the corporate sector. "I'm constantly amazed and touched by the generosity and support of individuals and companies," says Dr Fernandez. "This was particularly evident during the Mumbai deluge in July 2005." When low-lying areas of Dharavi were submerged in water, volunteers from SNEHA suspended all other activities for two months to help the homeless. People from all walks of life donated money, food, clothing, utensils and medicines. Working along with the government, Dr Fernandez's team ensured government rations for 35,000 families without ration cards. Twelve medical camps - each addressing the needs of 2,500 people - provided medical assistance. For the past year or so, Dr Fernandez is involving herself more with planning projects and fund raising - running the organisation on a day-to-day basis has been entrusted to professionals to ensure its continuity. Not that it gives the 66 year-old more time to relax. The compassionate crusader is now a consultant with Holy Family Hospital in Bandra.