Uniqueness of the Project

	This project design is unique in that the training is imparted by members of the women SHGs at PLF to Animator level and Animator to SHG member level
	As the trainers are from the SHGs they are able to exercise strong positive peer group influence.

Training Achievement (August 2007)

Total number of SHG Women covered 8,23,744 (51484 x 16 members)

Feedback from the target population

	At different levels, PLF –Trainer, SHG-Animator, and SHG Member the information on HIV/AIDS causes, prevention, management and attitude towards PLWHA is being shared with spouses, neighbours, friends, peer groups, relatives and acquaintances. The information is being disseminated in the community.
	The training also made them aware of their rights. Their right to information, protection, safety. Basically their right to dignified safe and healthy life
	The target group has deeply appreciated the Training Modules- the Flip Charts – they are able to identify with the story of Veeralaksmi and Govindan and relate it to their own lives. It has facilitated the training to translate into action as they have realized that they must take responsibility for their lives
	Most of them had encountered a firm refusal from their spouses to attend the training. Initially they did not tell their spouses that it was HIV/AIDS Awareness training. It was only at the end of the first day/ second day that they shared the training agenda with their spouses. They were able to take a positive stand and attend the training session despite opposition. Many of them were confident that given time, they could influence their partners with regard to safe sex practices
	They would like similar trainings to be imparted to their men folk and to the youth- boys and girls 15 to 25 years
	A few of them (in some instances with their spouses) had visited ICTC to check themselves and also referred women at risk to ICTC
	They would like testing for HIV/AIDS to be made mandatory for youngsters before marriage
	Some of the members had visited a mill in Madurai and interacted with the owner and the girls employed to ensure their safety against molestation.
	In Cuddalore some of the SHG Members had voluntarily secured condoms from the VHN and distributed it amongst the community members.
	In Dharmapuri district the SHG members printed and distributed pamphlets on the modes of transmission of HIV/ AIDS amongst the community members.
	There is empathy for PLWHA. Their attitude is supportive.

The training content they found very useful. 

1. Role of man in sex determination of the unborn child – X & Y chromosome and the fact that the woman was endowed with 2 X chromosomes. This lifted their burden of guilt. They understood that lack of knowledge and information on issues related to them is what made them vulnerable at the hands of men. This exercise also served as a right to information for women
   
2. Menstruation Cycle &Importance of personal hygiene during menstruation
   
3. Good touch/ bad touch
   
4. Implications of trafficking 
   
5. RTI /STD/ HIV/AIDS
   
6. Express and share concerns related to their sexual life