Namakkal, Tamil Nadu:
It's nicknamed the 'truckers' district', due to its highway traffic. But Namakkal, with arguably the highest prevalence of HIV in the country, is now witnessing a self-empowerment initiative by transgenders and sex workers.
The marginalised transgender community in Namakkal has started running its own health care and out-reach programmes. Special clinics have been set up for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
"We've developed our own capacity, self confidence to set up our own enterprise," said Aruna, a transgender resident. Commercial sex workers are also a part of this group.
With the help of an NGO, Tamil Nadu Aids Initiative, fundraisers have been organised.
to further the initiative. The money raised through these events is also used for the education of their children and to set up small canteens and vegetable shops.
"They've all realised that self help is possible. One way of doing that is through fund raisers. The idea is also to gain public support," said Jayashree, the project officer of Tamil Nadu Aids Initiative.
Five years ago, these hidden groups were insecure about their future. Now, they've mustered the courage to sit across the table with government officials and politicians and speak up for their rights. A story of self empowerment that's worth replicating in other states.
The marginalised transgender community in Namakkal has started running its own health care and out-reach programmes. Special clinics have been set up for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
"We've developed our own capacity, self confidence to set up our own enterprise," said Aruna, a transgender resident. Commercial sex workers are also a part of this group.
With the help of an NGO, Tamil Nadu Aids Initiative, fundraisers have been organised.
to further the initiative. The money raised through these events is also used for the education of their children and to set up small canteens and vegetable shops.
"They've all realised that self help is possible. One way of doing that is through fund raisers. The idea is also to gain public support," said Jayashree, the project officer of Tamil Nadu Aids Initiative.
Five years ago, these hidden groups were insecure about their future. Now, they've mustered the courage to sit across the table with government officials and politicians and speak up for their rights. A story of self empowerment that's worth replicating in other states.
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