Social mobilization is a major part of all activities taken up by Rainbow Nari O Shishu Kallyan Foundation, which aims at creating a major thrust to solve problems of individuals, families or concerning social magnitude by promoting participation of all possible sectors and civil society, mobilization of local resources, use of indigenous knowledge and enhancement of people’s creativity and productivity through mass campaign. The concept has an extreme positive significance where a real change could be initiated by orchestrating joint efforts against the alarming health & education situation. To face the serious alarming scenario in health, education and some other areas, Rainbow Nari O Shishu Kallyan Foundation realized that the standard of living could be raised through an overall improvement of socio-economic and demographic conditions by undertaking an integrated social mobilization program with components of information (providing), health and basic education as the major components.
To promote and improve the socio-economic status and demographic conditions, promotional activities have been facilitated in the intervention areas through different forums. Young men in impoverished communities have many needs. Sometimes the only means of income available involves strenuous manual labor, low job security and little or no control over working conditions. Though such type of work may not have a risk of HIV infection in itself, but can lead to intense frustration. The lack of personal satisfaction may turn into adopting escapist behaviors like excessive drinking, taking drugs or sexual association with prostitutes/sex workers and so on. Therefore, the youth groups of the society fall easy victims to HIV infection. With this understanding, Rainbow Nari O Shishu Kallyan Foundation promotes sex education targeting the vulnerable youths and women through different communication materials and thought provoking activities.
Rainbow Nari O Shishu Kallyan Foundation believes that the focus on HIV/AIDS and other general & reproductive health issues must be expanded to the youth groups. But it has been observed that resources and attention are limited to protect young women from falling victims to HIV infection. This point is correlated with women's rights and reproductive health. Before adopting any approach for preventing HIV/AIDS, it should be acknowledged that young women are far more vulnerable than young men in this regard. Therefore, initiatives have been taken for raising awareness and highlighting the means those perpetuate the power relations in different societies and cultures to exploit the disadvantaged women at all levels. The endeavors are still being put in to eradicate the violence against women.
It should be admitted that still the women in our country have less opportunity, lower status and less access to any skill development training and resources and hence perpetuate their lower socio-economic status. The women are the main sufferers of trafficking, victims of sexual violence and pervasive illiteracy. Their representation in different forums is insignificant which also leads to a weak voice from them when it comes to decision-making.
All these facts and findings urged Rainbow Nari O Shishu Kallyan Foundation to empower women and to prevent and control HIV/AIDS. We provide services to women vulnerable to HIV infection, especially those aged 15-40 years. This includes women working as low-paid industrial or house workers and women living in slum areas. Services include Behavior Change Communication strategies on HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, condom promotion, referral to reproductive health services, advocacy to local officials and agencies and; linkages with other development and HIV prevention activities. Now these women are becoming aware of these sensitive issues and trying to protect themselves from being forced against any sort of sexual violence or any chance afflicted with HIV/AIDS. They also have started taking up their own responsibilities and their own choices for their lives.
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