Business enterprise project for HIV positive women in chennai

Colombo, Aug 21 (UNI) To help women with HIV lead a life of dignity and economic independence, a special programme has been launched by the UNDP in India.

Under this project, groups of women living with HIV run small market-savy social enterprises, with technical and marketing support from UNDP and other agencies and the private sectors. The Community Development provided the HIV positive women with business management training to assist them in business plans before establishing their specific enterprises.

Ms P Kausalaya, Client Service Manager and President of Positive Women Network, an organisation working in Chennai with units in various parts of the state who is attnending the eighth International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific said ''the process of learning the skills and working together with groups of HIV positive women is powerful and empowering.'' ''We are not looking for charity, but partnerships for empowerment.

If we can have access to even a miniscule fraction of the market, it can make a big difference to their lives,'' Ms Kausalaya added.

Besides providing regular income and greater economic security to women with HIV, this project is also focussed on establishing a sustainable socially focussed business. It also aims to reduce stigma and discrimination, improving self-esteem and courage among the employees.

''In a rapidly feminising epidemic, the socio-economic independence of women is essential. It enables women to cope with the devastating impact of the epidemic on their family life and source of livelihood. Smart skills and regular incomes can reduce situations of HIV vulnerability and helps HIV positive women live with dignity and security'', Ms Kausalaya said.

UNI