Steering 500 Women Away from Prostitution, Mumbai

BEST OF UMEED PROGRAM FEBURARY TO APRIL 2017

Success Story – UMEED:

Divya* is a 41 years old woman in our Umeed Program. Divya was never interested in studies. Instead she got married at the age of 18, and had two children. Though, because of domestic issues she left her husband and went back to her parents. Everyone in the family started taunting and blamed her for being unable to hold her marriage. She was hurt from these taunts and blames so she eagerly started looking for some work to do so that she could feed her children and herself. Divya’s friend who was already engaged in the sex trade business told her all about the work. It did not take long before Divya also came to the area along with her kids.

Divya has been in contact with Apne Aap Women’s Collective’s (AAWC) for last six years now. She now has a total of six children, whom all are placed at boarding homes. Two of her daughters are admitted at the AAWC’s Udaan shelter. All of a sudden Divya’s health started to deteriorate. She was diagnosed of HIV+ and Tuberculosis and also suffered skin infections. AAWC’s Field Director immediately started her treatments with regular follow-up and counseling. She was enrolled as a member in nutrition supplement program. AAWC also helped in getting all her identity documents and she also joined our adult literacy program. 

Last year Divya enrolled in our basic Beauty Parlour Training at the AAWC center. She was very excited about this training and was later selected for the advanced level beauty and hair treatment training. She became more confident and her skills developed during this training. She started working in a reputed salon in Mumbai and was earning well. Due to medical reasons she had to leave the job. But she never gave up and started to take beautician orders at her home and also makes delicious food snacks that she sells to her costumers. Her current live-in partner is very supportive. Both of their health conditions are better. They take care of their follow-ups and medications as well. She is satisfied with her earnings. She has bought her own small room in the area and is very happy.

*name is changed to protect the identity

Organization update:

Apne Aap Women’s Collective (AAWC) have been rewarded the top ranked organization of 2016 by Global Giving for being active, approved, top-ranked member of Global Giving Network and for doing a fantastic work on & off Global Giving. We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Global Giving for this award and all our supporters for making it possible.  AAWC also received Platinum Certification from Guide Star India, based on the level of transparency & public accountability, after rigorous due diligence carried out by Guide Star team of certification experts for verifying financial and legal compliances.

UMEED PROGRAM UPDATES DURING JANUARY-MARCH 2017 

AWARENESS MEETING:  The Program Managers (PM) and the Out Reach Workers (ORW) took a session on Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C awareness. The Umeed beneficiaries were informed about the types of Hepatitis prevalent in human beings and its available treatment.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING:“I learnt so much in the beauty parlour training program. With the program I got the opportunity to explore reputed salons in Mumbai where I could also meet Indian Film stars. I thank AAWC for giving a platform to learn and explore in advance trainings. Today I work in a reputed salon in Mumbai and it is just a beginning.” – Umeed beneficiary.

Lions Club distributing groceries among the PLHA beneficiaries on Women’s Day

HEALTH: Regular nutrition of Bananas and bhel (rice puffs & nuts) distribution was conducted during the period, we have also started distributing Moringa seeds to the Umeed beneficiaries and explained them the benefits of the seed. PLHA (People Living With HIV & AIDS) weight was measured. Beneficiaries attended the follow up of the Cancer Testing Camp at St. Anthony School. Two beneficiaries were identified with health issue and were given medicines by AAWC, now their conditions are fine. In April a general medical camp was also held at the centre all the Umeed beneficiaries of AAWC and their children.  

Umeed beneficiaries getting check-up done during the General Medical Camp

CHILD’S FUTURE PLANNING SESSION:  During the sessions this quarter we have been very happy to hear from some Umeed beneficiaries that they do savings every month for their children. A session on how to handle their children when they misbehave, they were explained what various methods to calm the child down rather than yelling or hitting them. 

EMPOWERMENT:  Umeed women are learning to write their names and surnames in AAWC’s Adult Literacy program. Most women can write their names in either Hindi or English. Our ORWs are also introducing how to read the clock and time to the beneficiaries as well as other concepts like identifying and differentiating between government documents. Also during this period a few of our Umeed beneficiaries have got job placements as housemaids and caretakers.

ON FIELD ACTIVITIES: During this quarter, on field activities or sessions conducted were as follows; Safe Drinking Water, Alcoholism and Substance Addiction, Women’s Empowerment, Work Stress, Tuberculosis Awareness, Breast Cancer and Uterus Cancer Awareness, Environmental Cleanliness, Unity Among Each Other, HIV/AIDS Awareness, Personal Hygiene Awareness, Counselling Session on Stigma Against Prostitution etc. Other activities like; Activity on nutrition, safe intercourse and pregnancy, public appearance and general Yoga training was also conducted in the area.

Umeed beneficiaries enjoying celebrations

CELEBRATION:  We celebrated Valentine’s Day with the Umeed women during the February Awareness Meeting. During this quarter we have also celebrated Women’s Day to bring awareness about Women’s Rights. In March we celebrated Holi festival at the Awareness Meeting, explaining to the beneficiaries the story behind Holi and why we celebrate it.

QUOTE:

“I know how to write my name so well that soon one day is going to come when with the help of my teachers (outreach workers) I will teach all the women how to write their name in English”.- Umeed beneficiary.

“What has happened, has happened and it is now in the past. I want my children and all our children to lead a life of dignity, honour and respect.” – Umeed Beneficiary