Salem Thirunangaigal Nala Sangam
Objective of the KP grant:
GOAL:Increase the capacity of sex workers of all genders and their CBOs towards building sustainable community mechanism for resilience and right to life with dignity.
OBJECTIVE 1: Strengthen institutional capacity and sustainability of 132 CBOs serving sex workers (F, M, TG) (NNSW 70 CBOs, and Taaras 62 CBOs)
OBJECTIVE 2:Increase understanding among sex workers regarding their rights, and enable their access to available socio-legal mechanisms for the prevention and redressal of stigma, discrimination, and violence.
Legal Literacy Session:
A key achievement of the initiative was the creation of a targeted legal literacy campaign tailored for community members. A Help Desk Coordinator was appointed and underwent comprehensive training on vital legal frameworks, including the Supreme Court ruling on sex workers, the Transgender Rights Act, and the HIV Protection Act. Originally aimed at educating 325 individuals, the campaign significantly surpassed expectations by reaching 424 members of the TG and MSM communities in Salem. This success was driven by personalized support provided through both one-on-one and group sessions, ensuring a more thorough understanding of their legal rights.
Legal Literacy and Crisis
District Level Advocacy Meeting
A key milestone in the initiative was the District Level Advocacy Meeting held on 31/10/2023 at Hotel Rathna Residency in Salem, supported by the KP grant, Saathii, SMS, and Taaras. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including DLSA legal advocates, police officials, representatives from the Social Welfare Department, and members of the community.
The meeting, organized in collaboration with Salem DLSA, served as an important platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration. It provided a space to sensitize stakeholders on crucial legal matters, such as the Supreme Court’s observations on sex workers’ rights and the Transgender Act.
The event also gave community members an opportunity to share their personal experiences with stigma and discrimination, helping to create an atmosphere of understanding and support.
In-depth discussions were held on significant legal judgments concerning sex workers, with participants exploring ways to enhance legal protections and ensure better safeguarding of their rights. The meeting proved instrumental in amplifying the voices of the community while promoting a more inclusive approach to legal and social issues.
Organisation Development
Need assessment:
A thorough needs assessment was conducted to evaluate the operational effectiveness of the CBOs involved in the grant. In partnership with organizations like Saathii and Sattva, the assessment highlighted that the STNS CBO is a thriving and well-established organization. These insights will play a key role in shaping our future strategies to strengthen support for these CBOs, ensuring they meet statutory requirements and continue to operate effectively.
Training Program under the KP Grant:
Organizational Development and Legal Literacy Training for CBO Leaders: As part of the KP initiative, the SMS team organized a comprehensive training program focusing on organizational developmentfor community-based organization (CBO) leaders. This training aimed to improve their knowledge of CBO status and compliance with legal requirements. It took place at the Dindigul Parson Court Hotel. Furthermore, additional sessions on legal literacy, HIV/AIDS awareness, and pandemic preparedness were conducted at Lilly’s Valley Resort in Kodaikanal.In which totally 4 leaders from STNS and One HDC trained.
Impact
The impact of this program has been profound. By enhancing the capacity of local organizations and raising awareness of legal rights, we have fostered a more supportive environment for sex workers. Looking ahead, STNS remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of individuals within key populations, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected in society.
Through these initiatives, STNS effectively addressed the critical challenges of stigma and discrimination, leading to improved access to resources and support for sex workers. The program not only established a foundation for institutional sustainability but also empowered individuals to challenge injustice and assert their rights. This transformative journey from crisis to empowerment was clearly reflected in the achievements of the past year, creating a solid base for ongoing advocacy and support in the years to come.
HIV Services (Period of 2023 to 2024)
| Testing | Number of Service |
| HIV | 1565 |
| Syphilis | 1457 |