Khandagale PR, Sevekari TN, D'Souza M, Pawar S, Gilada IS; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. E12010.

Saheli HIV/AIDS Karyakarta Sangha, Pune, India

Background: In India several young girls enter into sex work due to Devadasi system (where young girls are dedicated to goddess), rape, abuse, incest, fake marriages and poverty. They are vulnerable to HIV/STDs, suffer malnutrition and are ill equipped to maintain health. They are emotionally and physically traumatised, have low self-esteem and lack of confidence. They are socially deprived, neglected and stigmatised, overburdened by debts. Sex workers are not formally organised, but definitely linked to an organised system of exploitation. Their only option for survival is 'Sex work' with remote chances for rehabilitation. They have specific needs and aspirations, thus focused efforts are necessary. Method: The peer leaders of sex workers were trained by a pioneering NGO, established the 'sex workers collective' in 1998, the only of its kind in Pune city, the cultural capital of India. With the aim of enhancing greater levels of self - protection among sex workers through sense of togetherness, collective action and creating an identity. Results: During last 5 years, more than 500 sex workers have joined the collective; which are trained by 42 peer-leaders. Apart from successfully running HIV/AIDS awareness and intervention programmes, that resulted in remarkable increase in reported condom usage, up to 95% of sexual encounters and resultant stabilisation of HIV, they have their own community kitchen. A separate self-help group of women living with HIV was established with 39 members. Conclusion: Though the Sex Workers Collective has emerged as a formidable entity with far-reaching positive consequences, it unfortunately local pressure groups and even some NGO's who perceive, collective as a threat to their existence. The collective is often seen as bargaining model of trade union. This demands advocacy at all levels.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Condoms
• Condoms, Female
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• India
• Peer Group
• Prostitution
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• education
• organization & administration

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0034737

UI: 102278953

From Meeting Abstracts