Hundreds of HIV positive people from around the world voiced their concerns and successes at the Positive People’s Assembly organised by ActionAid and partners during the India Social Forum (Nov 06).

Comedy sketches, film screenings and a concert by the Bengal Network of HIV positive people enchanted the audience, who danced and waved their hands in solidarity.

Women worst affected

HIV positive groups agreed that gender inequality combined with HIV/AIDS is fuelling an economic and social crisis. Women and their children are denied rights to property and even shelter after the death of a male member.

Women infected by their husbands told of hardships they face when in-laws and families do not support them. Their rights are denied on a daily basis.

“Living with HIV and that too in a hostile environment is really a threat to survival,” says Madhavi, an HIV+ woman.  “My in-laws do not like me to go out to work but I have to work to survive as I have no other support.”

”Sex work our only option”

Rainbow Planet – a coalition that works for the rights of sex workers and sexuality minorities including hijras, kothis, and gay and transgender people – also shared their concerns.

“We are discriminated and stigmatized by family, society and even doctors” says Sine Dhanam, representing the transgender community. “Every where there is discrimination because of our gender.”

“We have no right to education and hence we lag behind in jobs. We are left with only one option - sex work,” Dhanam adds.

Doctors among the culprits

Prejudice against people living with HIV/AIDS at health care centres is widespread. Treatment is often refused or delayed, and doctors and nurses think little of disclosing HIV status without the patient’s consent. 

Niraj Mishra, a former drug user living with HIV who now works as a counselor to injecting drug users, spoke out against discrimination by hospitals.

 “Doctors and paramedical staff also need counseling and proper training to handle HIV testing and patients and awareness on their unfounded fears relating to HIV/AIDS,” Mishra explains.

Access to quality, affordable anti-retroviral drugs is still far from reality for most people living with HIV/AIDS. Activists also revealed that atrocities by the police who criminalise sex work make it difficult for NGOs to offer information and services to vulnerable groups. 

Hope and strength

Overwhelming feeling of those leaving HIV/AIDS events at ISF was one of hope and strength says Christy Abraham, theme leader of ActionAid’s HIV/AIDS work in India .

“To share your experiences with so many people who care is hugely life-affirming. And to plan with campaigners from around the world gives local struggles the strength of being part of a global movement for change.”