Aastha Parivaar

Aastha Parivaar is an organization of, for, and by SWs. It is based on the eventual empowerment of the SWs so that they may move on to a life where they need not be dependent on any external agency for help with their affairs. Aastha encourages community members to come together to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs) or Aastha Gats, at the site level.

Their key programs are:

• HIV Interventions: Aastha continues its HIV targeted intervention work with residential bar-based population. Through these interventions, they increase awareness of HIV transmission, prevention, protection, treatment and care, as well as shift high risk behavioral patterns using behavioral change communication.
• Alternative Opportunities: Through their CBOs, Aastha works to increase the capacities of community members. With income generation activities such as making and selling chocolate, umbrella painting, shoes decoration, packing and presentation tailoring and beautician services, they offer alternative livelihood possibilities to SWs and their children.
• Children: Children of SWs are provided with remedial education workshops from ages 5 to 8, scholarships to children of CBO members and midday meals to street children by the NGO. The Orphan and Vulnerable Children initiative enables health and psycho-social support and protection to the ones in need.
• Healthcare: CBOs provide various health services benefitting both, CBO members and non-members. These include general health camps, nutritional camps, and vitamin distribution camps free of cost.

The NGO has strengthened and increased advocacy work with various stakeholders in the community including brothel managers, gurus in the transgender community, and the police. The CBOs conduct police sensitization workshops and also liaise with banks for easy bank account openings and attend regular government meetings to keep abreast of developments.