Now I am a confident Woman - Happy Women's Day

[Abraham Mutluri]

Dear Forum

Happy Women's Day

Women are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. It is scientifically proved that HIV is transmitted 8 times more efficiently from men to women than from women to men.

I am a 22 years old; I got married at 19 years old with a truck driver. We had good relations for six months. After that he passed away with severe symptoms of AIDS and it’s transmitted to me. What I have to do now? I am a 22 years old and I am a HIV positive? I am a Young widow? I did not do any mistake? I am also having the same sexual feelings! I need family Relationship! Can I eligible to give the birth to a baby? What I have to do, my life was ended with HIV!!! ? ? ?. …..Positive young widow expressed.

This is the Common question in HIV positive women. They are encountering so many problems in the community. Due to AIDS they become women headed families. They are facing stigma, gender discrimination, lack of nutrition, sexual abuse by the family members and the community. Attitudes of in laws, lack of livelihood, illiteracy, dependency are disadvantagements for the women.

Vasavya Mahila Mandali (VMM) is a voluntary Organization working for the women development in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is implementing the community based HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care, Support and Treatment programme. This programme is providing the psychosocial support to women and family members, Care and support services, , execution of Will for property rights, Developing positive life / speakers, reduction of self stigma and discrimination, Building up self confidence through the income generation activity, Safe sex practices, condom demonstration and promotion, referrals and linkages with the Government schemes for social security like widow pensions, build up a space to ventilate their feelings / emotions and increasing the peer support through support group concept, Community resource mobilization, Micro credit for tiny enterprises, Linkage with Government provisions / services and providing the pre marital counselling HIV testing before the marriage.

Now the women are very confident on all the issues of the HIV/AIDS. But every day new persons are exposing to HIV .So it is important to continue the comprehensive care, support and treatment programme to increase their confidence to fight agonist AIDS.


With Best Regards

Abraham Mutluri
Programme Officer
Vasavya Mahila Mandali
Vijayawada - 10
Andhra Pradesh, India.

[MariJo]

Dear Abraham,
I want to thank you for your posting on behalf of some many brave women that are confronted with all those questions that you have mentioned and still continue living and taking care of themselves, their families and their communities. I do agree with you that it is still very important to continue providing comprehensive care, support and treatment, and specially continue to appreciate all the strengths that women contribute to our world, stoping to see us as victims.
Testimonies like yours are very much needed. Thank you!