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Abstract
Livelihood skill development programme for vulnerable MSM
S.K. Pilli1, P.K. Gouthami2
Issues: Increasing Livelihood options through capacity building towards economic empowerment for low income MSM as a strategy to reduce high risk behaviours.
Description: Through a number of peer lead studies , Mithrudu as an MSM community based organisation providing HIV services in Hyderabad , India has found that there is a direct link between poverty, unemployment and male sex work, were by MSM exhibit high risk behaviours. The assessment study conducted in Hyderabad by NFI in February 2000 shows that 43% are unemployed and 82% of this unemployed, only source of income is sexwork. Prevention strategies focusing only on education and awareness does not appear to have a significant impact on reducing risk and vulnerability. Mithrudu, in a pilot project on economic empowerment for low income MSM, instituted training programme on soft toy production for selected group of ten low-income MSM who had expressed interest. Following on the training programme Mithrudu provided small seed funds for the group to manufacture and market the soft toys in a local bazaar. Funding proposals have now been written to secure sufficient start up funds for creating more stock, and a marketing strategy is being developed.
Lessons learned: The initial process of skills building and seed funding has been shown to be a successful as a means in increasing income levels, and the motivation was maintained. However while initial small seed funds were provided with in the financial capacity of the organisation, for sustainability a larger seed fund is required to build up initial stock of products for a period of six months and a marketing plan developed.
Next steps: Proposals developed for funding and to be submitted to the interested donors to start the implementation. Community sensitisations programmes held to form self help groups and assign roles within the self help group and organise the whole programme properly.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDC0848
Suggested Citation
"S.K.Pilli, et al.
Livelihood skill development programme for vulnerable MSM.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDC0848"
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