WELCOME TO SOUKHYA SAMRUDHI SAMSTHE
SOUKHYA SAMRUDHI SAMSTHE
Empowering Women in Sex Work
MYRADA emphasizes building ownership and responsibility within its community programs by decentralizing management, which helps sustain the core values of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). To achieve this, MYRADA began promoting various groups under “Myrada Promoted Institutions” (MPIs). One such organization is Soukhya Samrudhi Samsthe, a CBO for women in sex work, established on January 18, 2008, in Kolar. This CBO operates across six urban locations in five talukas within Kolar District, supporting its members by addressing their unique challenges and promoting empowerment and community solidarity.
A significant initiative under the Soukhya HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme is the establishment of Soukhya Samrudhi Samsthe, a community-based organization (CBO) for women in sex work. Operating through Soukhya Groups at the site level and federations at the town level, Soukhya Samrudhi Samsthe embodies MYRADA’s commitment to advancing community health, offering vital support, and enhancing HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.
Vision
Mission
Identifying and enrolling women in sex work and providing them with awareness about HIV/AIDS is a key focus. The goal is to educate them on HIV/AIDS and promote behavioral change, empowering them to lead a prestigious life in society, while fostering dignity and respect.
Precautions for HIV/AIDS Prevention Among women in sex work:
Increased condom use by women in sex work with clients and other sexual partners.Reduced incidence of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among women in sex work.
Creating an enabling environment for community members in the district.Linkages with various departments for programs benefiting the community.
Development ofthe community and their children in the district. Information of community groups in the town and strengthening community groups socially, economically, and politically in towns.
Major components of TI project typically include:
Outreach Services
Engaging with high-risk populations to provide information on safe practices, health services, and HIV testing.
Behavioural Change Communication (BCC)
Promoting safe sexual practices, condom use, and harm reduction strategies through peer educators and community mobilization.
Health Services
Offering STI screening and treatment, HIV testing, counselling, and referral to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-positive individuals.
Community Mobilization
Strengthening community-based organizations (CBOs) and involving the target groups in project planning, implementation.