HIV+ women start self-help groups

By, The Times of India, March 23, 2008

Their life began after they sensed death. And now after successfully running their own micro enterprises, about a hundred HIV-positive women are looking forward to forming their own self- help groups (SHG).

These women from slums across the city gathered at Ishwani Kendra in Wadgaonsheri on Thursday to take inspiration from those 'affected' women who are running their own SHGs successfully. They are wives of HIV-positive men and in some cases there is high probability that their children might also get infected.

The attempt was to help these women overcome the social stigma and discrimination which is a bigger killer than the deadly virus. The meet was aimed at those who run individual enterprises and want to form SHGs taking inspiration from the existing ones.

The members of Pragati Group narrated their success story of supplying tea powder to companies and locals in the area. "We started the business about four years ago with 10 members. Today we are generating sustainable income for our families and take good care of our children and their studies. Earlier, we earned a profit of Rs 35 per day per person, which has now gone up to Rs 100," said Lalita Arnekar, president of Pragati Group.

Most of these women are either widows or are on the verge of becoming one. Despite all the sorrow, group meetings are cheerful. Their only worry is their children's future. They fear their wards will not be accepted.

Kiran Mahamuni, an out-reach worker associated with the Family Saving Groups said, "We help build bridges between group members and their families. The group meetings are held on rotation basis at every member's house, which helps them develop camaraderie."

The meet, that was organised by an NGO – Sarva Seva Sangh (SSS), has been running micro enterprises for infected women in slums and with the growth of SHG movement, they wish to work in groups and expand their business.

Most of these women were housewives with no job skills. The going has been rough, but they persisted and now earn well. Earlier the stigma of being 'infected' prevented these women from participating in weddings or auspicious events. "Yet, they have managed to break away. Some women sell vegetables or fish and some have trained at beauty salons," says Mahamuni.

Renuka S (name changed), a participant said, "This group was my saviour- it became a part of me, and the members are my family. I noticed that I was no longer alone, that others had the same experience and found a way back. Suddenly I felt this strong feeling that I had to help others who are in a similar situation. To be a volunteer is being a better human being."

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Pune/HIV_women_start_self-help_groups/articleshow/2890224.cms