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Social Mobilization Programs with
Vulnerable Groups:
Social mobilization is a major part of all activities
taken up by Rainbow Nari O Shishu Kallyan Foundation, which aims at
creating a major thrust to solve problems of individuals, families or
concerning social magnitude by promoting participation of all possible
sectors and civil society, mobilization of local resources, use of
indigenous knowledge and enhancement of people’s creativity and
productivity through mass campaign. The concept has an extreme positive
significance where a real change could be initiated by orchestrating joint
efforts against the alarming health & education situation. To face the
serious alarming scenario in health, education and some other areas,
Rainbow Nari O Shishu Kalyan Foundation realized that the standard of
living could be raised through an overall improvement of socio-economic
and demographic conditions by undertaking an integrated social
mobilization program with components of information (providing), health
and basic education as the major components.
To promote and improve the socio-economic status and
demographic conditions, promotional activities have been facilitated in
the intervention areas through different forums. Young men in impoverished
communities have many needs. Sometimes the only means of income available
involves strenuous manual labor, low job security and little or no control
over working conditions. Though such type of work may not have a risk of
HIV infection in itself, but can lead to intense frustration. The lack of
personal satisfaction may turn into adopting escapist behaviors like
excessive drinking, taking drugs or sexual association with
prostitutes/sex workers and so on. Therefore, the youth groups of the
society fall easy victims to HIV infection. With this understanding,
Rainbow Nari O Shishu Kalyan Foundation promotes sex education targeting
the vulnerable youths and women through different communication materials
and promotional activities.
Rainbow Nari O Shishu Kalyan Foundation believes that
the focus on HIV/AIDS and other general & reproductive health issues must
be expanded to the youth groups. But it has been observed that resources
and attention are limited to protect young women from falling victims to
HIV infection. This point is correlated with women's rights and
reproductive health. Before adopting any approach for preventing HIV/AIDS,
it should be acknowledged that young women are far more vulnerable than
young men in this regard. Therefore, initiatives have been taken for
raising awareness and highlighting the means those perpetuate the power
relations in different societies and cultures to exploit the disadvantaged
women at all levels. The endeavors are still being put in to eradicate the
violence against women.
It should be admitted that still the women in our
country have less opportunity, lower status and less access to any skill
development training and resources and hence perpetuate their lower
socio-economic status. The women are the main sufferers of trafficking,
victims of sexual violence and pervasive illiteracy. Their representation
in different forums is insignificant which also leads to a weak voice from
them when it comes to decision-making.
All these facts and findings urged Rainbow Nari O
Shishu Kalyan Foundation to empower women and to prevent and control
HIV/AIDS. We provide services to women vulnerable to HIV infection,
especially those aged 15-40 years. This includes women working as low-paid
industrial or house workers and women living in slum areas. Services
include Behavior Change Communication strategies on HIV and sexually
transmitted diseases, condom promotion, referral to reproductive health
services, advocacy to local officials and agencies and; linkages with
other development and HIV prevention activities. Now these women are
becoming aware of these sensitive issues and trying to protect themselves
from being forced against any sort of sexual violence or any chance
afflicted with HIV/AIDS. They also have started taking up their own
responsibilities and their own choices for their lives.
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