Sexual and reproductive health services for female sex workers

Ashodaya Samithi, working with over 8,000 sex workers in five districts of Karnataka to provide sexual and reproductive services through a project titled 'Diagonal Intervention to Fast Forward Enhanced Reproductive Health project' (DIFFER) supported by the European Union.  

The study will be implemented at four countries, such as at Kenya (Mombasa), Mozambique (Tete), South Africa (Durban) and India (Mysore). The first such capacity and skills building program will be held in Mysore from November 26 to 30 for participants from Africa. MP AH Vishwanath will inaugurate the sessions on November 26 at 5 pm at Hotel Regaalis.

Disclosing this to Express, Ashodaya Samithi Programme Officer P Fathima Mary said that the study will focus on delivering integrated sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care for female sex workers and women in the 'general population', who seek public health facilities.

“The study aims to improve access to sexual and reproductive health for the most vulnerable, by providing a better linkage between interventions targeted at most-at-risk populations. The study also helps in identifying determinants of a successful, sustainable and replicable intervention that will strengthen SRH services within government health facilities in India,” she added.

In this five year study, beginning 18 months a thorough policy and situational analysis will be done to identify the gaps and provide the information needed to design the intervention. At the end of the 5-year project, the models will be evaluated for their feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and sustainability, adds Fathima.

The International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH) – Belgium, at the University of Ghent, is the coordinating partner for this project.

Screening of documentary

Metamorphosis, a documentary film by journalists Vasuki and Maya Jaideep will be screened on the occasion. This short film is about how facilitating the provision of Aadhar cards help Sex Workers and Sexual Minorities to access social entitlements and reduce stigma and discrimination, says Fathima.