The Focused HIV prevention programme, NamJeeva (Our Life), is a series of processes through which the groups of people who are at high risk of HIV like women in sex work and sexual minorities have taken charge of their lives. They have not only started changing such behavior as theirs which increases their risk of HIV, they have also started questioning the external environment constraints which increase their chances of getting exposed to HIV.
Through this programme, Samraksha is reaching out to about 10,000 women in sex work and 2000 sexual minorities. The programme has gone beyond HIV prevention, to other issues in their lives. While on one hand it promotes condom usage and STI
services and other safer sex practices in these groups, it has also given them a chance to collectivize, and question other forms of harassment. These groups have come together, questioned police harassment, challenged community discrimination, and ensured that their group members get all their social entitlements.
This programme has also given them an opportunity to make a difference to others in the community, so that society also starts seeing them differently, as concerned, compassionate people. They regularly support one another, care for those among them who are sick and ailing, conduct recreational summer camps for their children, are involved in community relief activities, in the wake of natural calamities, and make sure social amenities are available in their community.
Today, in five districts of North Karnataka, five collectives of women in sex work have formally registered their organizations and are taking forward the HIV prevention programme as well as other initiatives for the welfare of their women. These collectives are for bringing change, providing love, concern and companionship for the women. As their names suggest, Beladingalu Mahila Okkuuta (signifying dawning of a new day for the women), Sneha Mahila Sangha (signifying friendship and care for the women), Rakshane Mahila Okkuuta (signifying protection for the women), Spandane Makila Okkuuta (signifying a concerned response for the women) and Mahila Kranthi (signifying the woman's revolution) are all committed to ensuring a better life for the women. The collectives of sexual minorities in four districts are also moving towards collectivization and a legal registration of their identity, so that they can in their turn start programme implementation.