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

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum

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 he gave the HIV as a gift 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

Children Healthy and Happy Programme

Vasavya Mahila Mandali

Vijayawada - 10

Andhra Pradesh, India.