Shield Her: United Against Cervical Cancer – A Step Towards Awareness and Social Change

The Department of Sociology at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bangalore and the Association of Gynaecologic Oncologists of India – Karnataka State Chapter, successfully hosted the 40th session of Shield Her: United Against Cervical Cancer on 1 July 2025 at the Hosur Road campus. The event brought together medical expertise, academic inquiry, and community engagement to address one of the most pressing yet under-discussed issues in women’s health — cervical cancer.

The session was led by Dr. Shobha K., Professor and Unit Head, Department of Gynaecologic Oncology at Kidwai Memorial Institute, and Rtn. Dr. Sowmya P.R., Senior Scientific Research Officer, CRL-KIMS. Both speakers provided a comprehensive understanding of the causes, risk factors, stages, and treatment of cervical cancer, alongside discussions on early detection, the role of PAP smear tests, and the importance of HPV vaccination as a preventive measure. Their insights were not only rooted in clinical expertise but also sensitive to the social stigma and cultural silence that often surround women’s health issues in India.

The programme witnessed the active participation of 104 beneficiaries, including 94 students from the Departments of Sociology and Public Policy and 10 faculty members. A key highlight of the session was the interactive Q&A round, where students raised critical questions regarding vaccine efficacy, long-term health impacts, and the cultural hesitations associated with screening practices. This exchange underscored the importance of equipping young people with accurate information to challenge myths and misconceptions surrounding cervical cancer.

The event also carried a symbolic moment of encouragement when participants interacted with the young ambassador of the programme, a girl who had recently received the HPV vaccine. Her presence served as a living testament to the importance of preventive action and inspired participants to advocate for wider awareness and uptake of vaccination. Informational pamphlets were also distributed, reinforcing the session’s educational objectives.

Beyond the medical dimension, the programme emphasized the intersection of health, gender, and society. It shed light on how cultural taboos and systemic silences around reproductive health contribute to delayed diagnoses and perpetuate stigma. By situating cervical cancer awareness within the framework of gender justice and public health, the session highlighted the critical role of academic platforms in creating informed, socially conscious citizens.

The Department of Sociology extends its sincere gratitude to the management of CHRIST University, the dedicated faculty members including Dr. Suparna Kar, Dr. Maya M., Dr. Sudipta Garai, and Dr. Sudhansubala Sahu, as well as the student leadership team led by General Secretary Shirsendu Tribedi and volunteers for their efforts in organizing and facilitating the programme. Special thanks are also due to President Rtn. Sukhen Padmanabha, Rtn. Srinivas Validananda, and Rtn. Gertrude Dsouza of the Rotary Club of Bangalore for extending this conversation beyond the university campus into the wider community.

This initiative reaffirmed that public health awareness must go hand in hand with social engagement and education. The collaboration across academia, healthcare, and civil society demonstrates the transformative potential of inter-sectoral partnerships in addressing women’s health challenges. As the global community works toward the target of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030, programmes like these are essential steps in bridging knowledge, breaking taboos, and fostering a culture of prevention and resilience.