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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 Kallyan 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 Kallyan Foundation promotes sex
education targeting the vulnerable youths and women through different
communication materials and thought provoking activities.
Rainbow Nari O Shishu Kallyan
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 Kallyan 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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