Advocacy programme with the Hijra Community

August 30, 2010

On 22nd August 2010 Sakha, Orissa and Solidarity and Action against the HIV

Infection in India (SAATHII) jointly organized an advocacy programme with the

Hijra leaders (Nayaks) along with the down line Hijras (Chelas, Potichelas) who

reside in Hijra slums (Daiyar) in Khurda and nearby areas. The common objective

of the program was to sensitize them in different issues like basic rights,

common human rights and open challenges which they face in day today life.

The programme started with the welcome note of Satya Sunder Mishra the

president of SAKHA, Orissa addressing all Hijra leaders and their down lines

" Chelas " , grand down lines " Natichelas " .

Satya Sundar Mishra explained how SAKHA is working for the rights of transgender

and unlike other states of India transgender in Orissa also faces severe

discriminations and obstacle in their basic rights like education, health,

employment opportunities etc. Due to their sexual beheviour, culture and life

style they are stigmatizes and marginalized from the mainstream society.

Mayadhara Parida (meera) explained how to strengthen the MSM, Hijra and

Transgender Community in Khurdha working under Sashakt Project. He also

addressed about the importance of working together for preventing HIV/AIDS among

Hijra community. Together it will be a power of success to achieve the goal.

Anita Kinner explained her experience of involving in this project for last 8

months and what was the impact from her community. She also explained how she

convinced her Guru Madhuri Kinner to work together to achieve the basic rights

from the society.

In conclusion Mayadhara Parida, Treasurer of Sakha proposed the vote of thanks

and ended the program.

Out Puts:-

• All Hijras promised to support SAKHA and work as a part of SAKHA.

• They will form a strong group and work together to reduce stigma and

discrimination from the society.

• Help to sensitize transgender community and create dignity among themselves.

• 10 Hijra (Nayaks) leaders participated from different parts of Khurdha.

• Around 70 Hijra (Chelas, Potichelas) participated from different parts of

Khurdha like chalika, tangi, Banapur, Begonia, Bolgarh, Banivihar, Partharapada

etc.

• Two boxes of condom and 100 IEC materials are distribute by SAKHA team.

Satya Sundar Mishra (subham)

President

SAKHA

Bhubaneswar,

Orissa

e-mail: <subham.sakha@...>

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