Women with HIV/AIDS Speak Out on Their Rights
16 May 2005
Women living with HIV/AIDS who have publicly acknowledged their status have been participating in a four-day workshop organised by the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Asia Centre in Chandigarh, India, from 16 to 19 May 2005.
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| "Positive women such as us can make a difference and prevent the spread of HIV, as well as reduce stigma and discrimination." P Kousalya, Youth Ambassador |
The event with the theme 'Project Planning and Support for Positive Women' was organised in collaboration with the Positive Women Network (PWN+).
The women, who are standing up for their rights and reintegration into society come from seven Indian states -- Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Manipur and Tamil Nadu. At the workshop they receive training in communication skills, public relations and project management, as well as how to work in partnership with the public sector, non-governmental organisations and the community.
Raka Rashid, Regional Director of the CYP Asia Centre, said women have been badly hit by HIV/AIDS in the past two decades, often having to face the stigma in addition to living with the virus. She noted: "Traditionally, women have been less empowered in most societies. As a result, they are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS as well as stigma and discrimination. In a large number of cases, male members of the family are provided with care and support, while the same are denied to women."
Addressing the inaugural ceremony Dr N M Sharma, Project Director of the State AIDS Control Society in Chandigarh, said: "No assistance programme can be successful if women are excluded. HIV/AIDS has spread to every state in the country. It is no more confined to high-risk populations, but affects the common man as well. We need to act now. We have not been able to start positive people's networks in North India and I hope this workshop will be a first step in that direction."
Workshop participants are encouraged to create a unique forum of positive women that will also develop links with the Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors for Positive Living programme. These Youth Ambassadors are young people who are working to promote awareness on HIV/AIDS and drug/substance abuse in the Commonwealth member countries of Asia.
The workshop includes interactive sessions and discussions on personality development, positive lifestyles and women's rights. It is also focusing on counselling and emotional guidance for people affected by HIV/AIDS. The participants are expected to develop action plans for implementation in their respective states.
P Kousalya, a Youth Ambassador and President of PWN+, said: "This workshop will help us to expand into other states. It is to bring these women together and train them to conduct their own state-level programmes on HIV/AIDS prevention. Positive women such as us can make a difference and prevent the spread of HIV, as well as reduce stigma and discrimination. Women don't get information at a young age and that's why we have got the infection. Even now, 15-year-olds are being married off in rural and slum areas. We want to reach out to these young girls and help them."
CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 235, 18 May 2005
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