Advocacy
Worldwide it is seen that not all communities are equally susceptible to HIV. Some communities are more vulnerable to HIV and AIDS due to their being marginalized and criminalized by society and due to their powerlessness. Commercial sex workers and sexual minorities are examples of such groups. These communities are also victims of violence and harassment. As a result of this these communities generally have low visibility and are not easily accessible. This does not allow safe sex practices and the adoption of health seeking and risk free behaviour and thereby adversely affects the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Programme. The creation of a conducive socio-economic environment for all groups, particularly those at greater risk, is indispensable for prevention and control of HIV and AIDS. Unless this is done, the objective of promoting public health and protecting people from HIV and AIDS is difficult to achieve.

The advocacy activities for creating an enabling environment for the Sankalp programme are configured with the focus on the Key population and are detailed as under.

Goal : To enhance the impact of the project by identifying and addressing issues that provide a facilitating environment.

The objectives of the activities for creating an enabling environment are:

a) Reduce stigma and discrimination
b) Reduce violence and harassment against sex workers
c) To bring in social equity by providing entitlements for sex workers

Overview of the advocacy activities for creating an enabling environment: