WahWoman Magazine- March 2026, Something I Wish I Had Known Earlier
Webinar | Co-Leadership as a Contemporary Imperative: Needs, Challenges & Mitigation Strategies
What does leadership look like in a world defined by complexity, uncertainty, and interconnected crises?
This WahWoman webinar brings together diverse global voices to explore co-leadership—not as a trend, but as a systemic necessity for our time. Hosted by Rajni Vohra, the conversation is supported by the Learning Planet Institute and organized by Wahwoman, and features an inspiring panel: Violeta Bulc – Former Deputy Prime Minister of Slovenia & EU Commissioner, Founder of Ecocivilisation,
What does leadership look like in a world defined by complexity, uncertainty, and interconnected crises?
This WahWoman webinar brings together diverse global voices to explore co-leadership—not as a trend, but as a systemic necessity for our time.
Hosted by Rajni Vohra, the conversation is supported by the Learning Planet Institute and organized by Wahwoman, and features an inspiring panel:
Violeta Bulc – Former Deputy Prime Minister of Slovenia & EU Commissioner, Founder of Ecocivilisation
Sanchita Gairola Mishra – Co-founder & Director, Vision 360 Management Consulting
Ekaterina Pandharkame – Social Psychologist
✨ Key Reflections from the Conversation
Why single-hero leadership is breaking down—especially in politics and large systems
Co-leadership as collaboration, participation, and shared consequence, not polite division of roles
Why accountability is harder to share than power or visibility
The psychological demands of co-leadership: managing uncertainty, ego, anxiety, and comparison
Gendered expectations in leadership—and how consistency, not correction, reshapes power dynamics
Moving from “power” to strength, from control to holding space for emergence
A recurring insight across the panel:
The future of leadership is less about being the hero—and more about being the connector.
This conversation is an invitation to unlearn old leadership myths and re-imagine leadership as relational, systemic, and deeply human.
Sanchita Gairola Mishra – Co-founder & Director, Vision 360 Management Consulting Ekaterina Pandharkame – Social Psychologist
✨ Key Reflections from the Conversation Why single-hero leadership is breaking down—especially in politics and large systems Co-leadership as collaboration, participation, and shared consequence, not polite division of roles Why accountability is harder to share than power or visibility The psychological demands of co-leadership: managing uncertainty, ego, anxiety, and comparison Gendered expectations in leadership—and how consistency, not correction, reshapes power dynamics Moving from “power” to strength, from control to holding space for emergence A recurring insight across the panel: The future of leadership is less about being the hero—and more about being the connector. This conversation is an invitation to unlearn old leadership myths and re-imagine leadership as relational, systemic, and deeply human.
Rethinking Serotonin: What Gender Differences Truly Tell Us
Rethinking Serotonin: What Gender Differences Truly Tell UsI recently watched an engaging and highly insightful session by Dr. Vladimir Maletic, delivered at the 2023 NEI Congress under the title “Brain Networks, Circuits and Neurotransmitters: A Roadmap to Better Outcomes.” What stood out was the way complex neuroscience was made accessible while also dismantling several commonly held—but misleading—assumptions about mental health, particularly those related to gender and serotonin.
Serotonin is often casually labeled as the brain’s “happiness chemical.” However, as the session made clear, its role is far more sophisticated. Serotonin participates in extensive brain networks that influence emotional regulation, cognition, stress response, sleep, appetite, and resilience. Rather than acting alone, it works in coordination with hormones, receptors, neural circuits, and environmental factors.
Do Women Actually Have Less Serotonin?
One of the most persistent claims in popular discourse is that women have significantly lower serotonin levels than men. Dr. Maletic’s explanation helped unpack how this belief arose—and why it requires nuance.
Neuroimaging studies using PET scans suggest that, on average, serotonin synthesis in women may occur at a slower rate—roughly 30–50% lower—than in men. Crucially, this finding refers to the speed of production, not the total amount of serotonin present in the brain at any given time.
This distinction matters because it means women do not permanently have lower serotonin levels. It does not indicate a biological inadequacy, nor does it automatically translate into depression or anxiety. Serotonin activity is highly dynamic and influenced by hormonal changes, stress exposure, life experiences, receptor responsiveness, and overall brain network efficiency.
Why Hormonal Influence Is Central
A key theme of the lecture was the interaction between serotonin and hormones, particularly estrogen. Estrogen plays an important role in optimizing serotonin signaling by supporting its production, enhancing receptor responsiveness, and modulating serotonin transport mechanisms.
As a result, emotional vulnerability often becomes more noticeable during hormonal transitions such as the premenstrual phase, after childbirth, during perimenopause, or in menopause. These shifts reflect biological recalibration rather than emotional fragility. They represent the brain adapting to changing internal conditions.
Looking Beyond the “Chemical Imbalance” Model
One of the most compelling aspects of the session was its emphasis on a network-based understanding of mental health. Instead of framing psychological conditions as simple neurotransmitter shortages, Dr. Maletic highlighted disruptions in communication across brain circuits.
Serotonin is a vital signaling molecule within this system, but outcomes depend on how effectively multiple networks coordinate. This framework helps explain why responses to stress, medication, or therapy vary widely across individuals and why gender, hormonal context, and neural circuitry all matter in treatment planning.
Key Insights from the Lecture
Serotonin functions primarily as a regulator within interconnected brain systems rather than as a simple mood switch. Differences between men and women reflect variations in synthesis dynamics rather than biological deficits. Hormones, particularly estrogen, strongly influence serotonin signaling, especially during key life-stage transitions.
Mental health conditions arise from circuit-level disruptions rather than isolated chemical imbalances. Individual and gender-specific differences in brain circuitry, hormone levels, and receptor behavior help explain varied responses to antidepressants and therapeutic interventions. A network-oriented understanding of the brain allows for more precise, personalized, and effective mental health care.
Conclusion
The idea that women “have less serotonin” oversimplifies and distorts a far more empowering scientific reality. What research actually reveals is a brain that is highly responsive, hormonally attuned, and dynamically regulated. Sensitivity, in this context, reflects adaptability rather than deficiency.
Dr. Maletic’s lecture reinforces an essential message: mental health is not about identifying shortcomings but about understanding complexity—how brain networks, neurotransmitters, hormones, and lived experience continuously interact to shape emotional well-being.
Reference
Maletic, V.
Brain Networks, Circuits and Neurotransmitters: A Roadmap to Better Outcomes
Presented at the 2023 NEI Congress
In this inspiring episode on WahWoman, we speak with Nina af Hällström, spouse of the Consul General of Finland in Mumbai. But Nina is far more than a diplomatic partner — she’s an accomplished political leader, Executive Director in the disability sector, and a proud mother and grandmother. We explore how she’s balanced life across cultures, built a strong career in Finland, and stayed rooted in purpose while living abroad. Tune in to hear her journey of resilience, adaptation, and leadership across borders. Don’t miss this empowering conversation that shines a light on the often-overlooked lives of diplomatic spouses!
🧠 In association with Ecocivilisation and Terra ZivA, WahWoman proudly hosted a powerful global webinar on mental health:
🎙️ Modern Therapeutic Strategies for Mental Health
This dynamic and insightful conversation brought together international experts who shared cutting-edge therapeutic approaches to support mental well-being.
👥 Speakers:
🔹 Dr. Rajni Vohra
🔹 Eleftheria Kakambouras
🔹 Dr.h.c. Violeta Bulc
🔹 Dr. Ashish M. Gaikwad
🔹 Srinivasa Murthy
🔹 Katarina Habe
🟠 Key Topics Explored:
✅ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Techniques & benefits
✅ Neuroplasticity: How the brain rewires itself for healing
✅ Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Applications & effectiveness
✅ Psychodynamic Therapy: Understanding unconscious patterns
✅ Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Practical stress reduction tools
🌍 Mental health deserves global attention and collective wisdom. This webinar was a step toward deepening awareness and sharing transformative strategies that empower individuals and communities alike.
#MentalHealthMatters #GlobalWellbeing #TherapeuticStrategies #Ecocivilisation #WahWoman #TerraZivA #CBT #DBT #Mindfulness #PsychodynamicTherapy #Neuroplasticity #EmpowerYourMin
In association with Ecocivilisation and Terra ZivA, WahWoman proudly hosted a global webinar on mental health:
💬 “Breaking the Silence: Empowering Yourself”
📅 Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible panelists who shared their wisdom, personal journeys, and powerful strategies for building mental resilience and breaking the stigma around mental health.
🟠 PANELISTS:
🔹 Dr. Ruksheda Syeda (India)
A leading psychiatrist with over 24 years of experience, Dr. Syeda specializes in supporting teenagers, young adults, women, and families through her private practice in Mumbai. Currently the President of the Bombay Psychiatric Society, she is also a TEDx speaker and respected media voice on mental wellness.
🔹 Konstantina Cheimara (Greece)
A passionate advocate for mental health and gender-based issues, Konstantina is the founder of the Social Issues Club at The American College of Greece. She’s led initiatives on femicides, trauma, and empowerment and actively supports global platforms like Ecocivilisation to promote social and environmental justice.
🔹 Dawn Evans (United Kingdom)
An inspiring entrepreneur and wellness leader, Dawn is the founder of Wales’ largest Mental Health Event and a certified Mental Health & First Aid tutor. Through her company, Ajuda, she has educated over 150,000 individuals in life-saving mental health and first aid skills. Her passion for coaching and wellness has impacted entrepreneurs and communities worldwide.
🧠💗 Thank you to all who joined us for this deeply empowering conversation. Together, we’re breaking the silence, one voice at a time.
#MentalHealthAwareness #BreakingTheSilence #WahWoman #Ecocivilisation #TerraZivA #GlobalVoices #EmpowerYourself #WellbeingMatters #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWomen #InternationalVoices #WebinarHighlights
Webinar Recap | Foundation of Mental Health: Why it Matters for Everyone?
🗓️ Wednesday, March 26, 2025
📍 Hosted by WahWoman in association with Ecocivilisation and Terra zivA
Mental health is not a privilege — it’s a fundamental human need.
With this belief at heart, WahWoman held a powerful and insightful webinar titled “Foundation of Mental Health: Why it Matters for Everyone?” bringing together global experts and thought leaders to explore the essential pillars of mental well-being.
💬 Expert Panel Included:
✅ Dr. Om Bedekar – Renowned Psychiatrist with over 35 years of experience, known for his minimal-medication approach to mental health.
✅ Dr. Swati Karve – Esteemed Psychologist, Educator, and CEO of SwastiVishwa Institute, bringing 30+ years of expertise in therapy, education, and organizational training.
✅ Helen Davies – G100 England Regional Chair for Mental Health, a passionate neurodivergent expert and advocate for inclusive mental health practices.
The session emphasized:
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Preventive and holistic approaches to mental health
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Addressing neurodivergence and inclusion
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The need for collective responsibility in destigmatizing mental health
Curated by:
Dr. Rajni Vohra, Eleftheria Kakambouras, and Dr. hc. Violeta Bulc — a dynamic team committed to cross-cultural learning, empathy-driven leadership, and inclusive well-being.
Together, we are building a world where mental health is not hidden, but honored.
#MentalHealthMatters #WahWoman #Ecocivilisation #TerraZivA #MentalWellbein
This International Women’s Day 2025, we are celebrating New Age Women Leadership—bold, visionary, and inspiring!
Are you a Gen Z leader making an impact?
Tell us in less than 100 characters how your leadership is shaping society.
📢 How to participate?
✔ Share your leadership impact (within 100 characters).
✔ Send us your entry along with your picture.
Let’s amplify the voices of young women redefining leadership!
Last month, the world observed two significant events: Menopause Awareness Month and World Mental Health Awareness Month. Notably, October 18th marked the 25th anniversary of World Menopause Day. WahWoman! would like to take the opportunity to spread more awareness about the same.
Sarah, Rachana, and Maria, three strong women who, against the struggle of embarrassment, dared to share their personal experiences.
When I got mixed notifications from my body, that day was really weird for me,” says Sarah, 45. “I thought I was going to go out of control.” Brain fogs, hot flashes, night sweats, and drastic mood swings messed up her once prospering marketing career.
Sarah remembers a meeting in which she seemed to spontaneously combust. “It felt like my hormones were playing a cruel game with her.”
“I barely recognized myself,” Rachana, 42, said. I thought I was going crazy The panic attacks, missed periods, plus forgetfulness along with self-respect were taking a toll on her teaching.
“Sometimes I would mess up and forget my students’ names or I would completely forget I had a lesson plan to do,” Rachana says. “It felt like all the fog had settled down in my brain.”
“I felt like this was going on without my consent,” said Maria, 48. Vaginal dryness, diminished libido, and sleeplessness constrained her very intimacy.
“I felt like I was losing my sense of self,” Maria confides. “It felt like my body was betraying me”
Even though they all come from different backgrounds, one thing that binds them together is ¹PERI MENOPAUSE.
What Is Perimenopause?
We all have heard about perimenopause-it is a confusing and stigmatized transition between the ages of 35-55 probably-2-10 years before menopause, with many millions of cases worldwide.
🔴Hormonal Changes
There are highly varying hormonal levels at the perimenopause:
⭕Estrogen: Drops by 50-70%, thereby resulting in hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
⭕Progesterone: Suppressed, resulting in irregular vaginal bleeding and sleep problems.
⭕Decreased testosterone: With libido and energy mounted.
🔴 Psychological Impact
Along with physical and emotional impact women may experience other psychological issues….As mental well-being profoundly undergoes changes during the perimenopausal period.
⭕ Anxiety and depression
⭕ Loss of identity and self-esteem
⭕ Diminished cognitive function and impaired memory
⭕ Instability of mood and lacking emotional control
🔴Common Symptoms:
Here are most common symptoms out of 70 described so far:
⭕ Sporadic periods
⭕ Flashes of heat
⭕ Nocturnal sweats
⭕ Mood changes
⭕ Sleep disorders
⭕ Frozen shoulder
⭕ Low libido
🔴 Reclaiming Self-Control:
To engage through those crucial years in what follows, we recommend the following changes in lifestyle.:
🔴 Lifestyle Changes:
✅ There should be a healthy look at omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D.
✅ Regular exercise (yoga, walking, swimming)along with strength training.
✅ Stress management (meditation, deep breathing).
Hygiene.
🔴 Medical Options:
✅ Consult your gynecologist about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Non HRT medications.
✅ Consulting alternative therapy like Ayurvedic/Homeopathic medical practitioners can also help out.
🔴The Power of Community
Perimenopause may be a challenging journey, but with support, education, and self-care, you can thrive.
“Sharing my story helped me realize I wasn’t alone,” Sarah says.
“Connecting with others who understand what I’m going through has been lifesaving,” Rachana adds.
Maria nods in agreement. “It’s time to break the silence and empower each other.”
“Menopause: ME (K)no(W)
pause = Me No pause”
is more than just an equation!
It acknowledges the transformative power of menopause, where a woman’s body and mind evolve.
This journey is about self-discovery (“know”) and embracing change, not just a pause in reproductive life.
The equation suggests that life doesn’t stop; it evolves, and women continue to grow.
Let Menopause become a catalyst for renewal, not decline, by embracing this transformation, women can break free and thrive.
Do join the conversation
Share your story. Let’s break this silence!
Author, Deepti Joshi,
Founder of Brain Matters and Blossom & Bloom Center, Pune With Brain Matters, she has helped thousands of parents achieve transformative results for their children by addressing the intricate relationships between diet, environment, thoughts, and emotions.
And with Blossom & Bloom Center I work with Women struggling with getting pregnant and those who are in the Peri menopausal phase.
Social networking isn’t just about growing your circle; it’s about building a supportive community around you. We hope our listeners are inspired to connect more deeply and thoughtfully while watching this podcast. Through this conversation, we explored the nuances of building and nurturing professional relationships in today’s digital age with a remarkable guest, Dr. Dhanashri Hardas, a social networking expert and thought leader in professional development. Dr. Hardas has extensive experience in building connections and creating impact through network and she has shared her insights on ‘The Art of Social Networking”.
About Dr Dhanashri Hardas-
Dr. Dhanashri Hardas is awarded a Ph.D. in Botany for her contributory research in the field of Tribal Medicine. The thesis titled “Ethno medicinal Studies of Plants Used by The Tribal of Thane District”. Dr. Dhanashri Hardas translated the biography of Dharmveer, Dr Balkrushn Shivram Moonje, founder of Bhonsala Military School. She is a Chairperson of Women’s Entrepreneur Wing, Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Dr. Dhanashri Hardas steers the movement inclined towards generation of women entrepreneur power. Besides this, she is President of ‘Women Society for Environment, Culture and Education’, Dr. Dhanashri Hardas devotes the empowerment of women towards trust, beliefs, smart work and global world through Sustainable Environmental program. She is Convener of ‘Blue Revolution – A Paradigm Shift’, an International Conference of Water Sanitation and Recycling Dr. Dhanashri Hardas the best practices of used water all over the globe and now contributing towards local needs..
#SocialNetworkingTips #BuildingAuthenticConnections #NetworkingStrategies #ProfessionalRelationships #DigitalNetworking #NetworkingForGrowth #GenuineConnections #EffectiveCommunication #TrustInNetworking #CareerSuccess #RelationshipBuilding #NetworkingForIntroverts #MaintainConnections #DigitalAgeNetworking #NetworkingWithPurpose #EmpathyInNetworking #LongTermRelationships #ActiveListening #NetworkingAdvice #NetworkingForProfessionals