Saheli Sangh as the only sex worker’s collective in Pune is working with need based approach since its initiation. The main themes of our work are, HIV AIDS Prevention & control, physical and mental health ,SRHR, Legal literacy and aid, Demand for Decriminalization of sex work and sex workers and prevention of trafficking, Child care & protection, education, skills building and advocacy
CURRENT PROJECTS
Project Maitra
Skills development and vocational training for sex workers and their children supported by Villo Poonawala Foundation Our latest project Maitra works primarily with children of women in sex work . The goal is to safeguard Child Rights, health and education in this marginalized population. Through Maitra we support the children and young adults’ educational and skill development needs, provide social support with the aim of their integration into the mainstream.
We support the young children in their school admissions and throughout their education. We also work with older children who are young adults, in linking them with vocational skill development courses and organisations providing support in setting up small businesses.
Education cannot be a standalone support and the children need a protective environment with safe and healthy living conditions. Thus, we work with the Child Welfare Committee to help the young children get admitted into child care institutions. This ensures their education along with safety and security.
Similarly, we network and correspond with the Department of Women and Child Development to avail the suitable schemes/benefits for the children and their mothers. This also ensures sensitization and protective measures of protection of child rights with the marginalized and at risk population of children of women in sex work.
Under Maitra, we provide mental health counselling to children, including young children, teenagers and young adults. We extend these mental health services to the mothers of children and other women in sex work as well. Our mental health approach is trauma informed, rights based and focuses on empowerment. The counselling is needs based and accessible to everyone in the community.
We also aim at providing a 24 hour care of for children of working women who are in sex work. The care home will provide a safe space and environment suitable for the holistic development of these children.
Hello Sathi Project
‘Saheli’ is working with ‘Uninhibited’ since June 2021. The “Hello Sathi” project works on the menstrual and sexual reproductive Telehealth helpline for free. In September, trials for the helpline were required as some changes need to be done according to the Budhwar Peth (red light area in Pune). Pre and post-surveys were planned to check the results and impact of this Telehealth helpline. The baseline survey of 100 women was performed with a questionnaire of 50 questions related to sexual health and hygiene.
For promotion and awareness of the helpline, the pamphlet was made along with the directions for different kinds of services available on the helpline including a monthly monitoring chart of the menstrual cycle. This pamphlet was distributed door to door for each person. A demonstration call was dialled to ensure a complete understanding of the working pattern of the helpline. Every woman who is her reproductive age was explained about entering her menstrual cycle’s bleeding days on the chart by the recommended signs for bleeding flow during period days.
This helpline is available in 4 different languages 1) Hindi, 2) Kannada, 3) Tamil and 4) Marathi and even the gender can be selected for further continuation of the call. Here we can get any home-based remedies if the problems are curable with these remedies. If not, then an appointment is arranged with the gynaecologist on call. Along with this, every Sunday and Wednesday they get a call at the time chosen by them, in their selected language where a story is told on the subjects related to sexual and reproductive health and hygiene.
More than 360 people are taking benefit of this helpline. Females of reproductive age who are familiar with technology, gadgets and social media are using the helpline easily. As they know they can save the fees for doctors, transport charges, and time and won’t feel shy to talk on call. But those who are not so familiar with the technology need assistance. For this help, peer educators are well-trained to do so.
