Palaniswamy P; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. C10794.
Institution, Chennai, India
ISSUES: Low-Self Esteem due to low literacy rates, lower income and negligible survival skills were debilitating Kothis (MSM) vis-a-vis their self respect and confidence. Hence, Self-help was seen as a method of improving their situation. DESCRIPTION: Various skills and training programs were organized within the MSM Sexual Health Program, to improve the chances of Kothis (MSM) survival and hence negotiate safer sex practices while accessing male sexual partners. Pottery, Candle Making and Art Work were taught and the products put up for sale. Besides, Spoken English classes and vernacular literacy classes were conducted to improve their reading and writing skills. LESSONS LEARNED: Income generated from these handicrafts helped improve their self confidence and sense of self-worth. On the anvil, is a Kothi-run self-employed group so that those kothis who have the talent to create and market various products would be encouraged to become independent. RECOMMENDATION: The necessary training and basic infrastructure and guidelines must be in place before the venture is taken up. This self help system has proved that given the opportunity and encouragement these marginalized, vulnerable and even ostracized group of males, could rise above various daunting obstacles in their lives, to emerge as competent and capable survivors.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Behavior
- Educational Status
- Health Behavior
- Health Planning Guidelines
- Humans
- India
- Male
- Negotiating
- Safe Sex
- Self Concept
- Sexual Partners
- Survivors
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102259552
From Meeting Abstracts