Sex Workers and Sexual Minorities face discrimination in HIV+ people’s network

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From: HIV News <hivtalk@gmail.com>

PRESS NOTE

 

 

 

Arunodaya Network Of Positive People (ANP+) is a registered district-level network of HIV Positive People in Bangalore Urban District, Karnataka. Its members include HIV positive persons from the communities of ex workers and sexual minorities, who face discrimination even in HIV positive people’s networks due to their occupation/ sexual orientation/ gender identity. The Annual General Body meeting and the elections to elect the new board representatives are scheduled to be held on 28th October (Thursday). But on 21^st of Oct 2010, a few members complained that their nominations were rejected on unfair grounds i.e. for being a sex worker or a sexual minority person. The rejected members filed their nomination under the general category. The election rules of the society do not prohibit any member contestingin open category, which is also an universal principle of justice. The candidates who were rejected were from the reserved category (sex workers and sexual minorities) and filed their nomination for the general category post (Open category).

 

 

As per society’s rule, the elections should be conducted democratically and the bylaws of the society should be shared with each and every member of the society. The rejected members have complained that Arunodaya Network has failed to provide a copy of the bylaws to other board members and ordinary members.

 

 

Rejected member’s quotes:

Usha, member of Arunodaya Network for the last 3 years:

For the last 3 years, I am a member of Arunodaya network. When I became a member, one of the board members in the year 2006 gave me counselling. Based on the counselling, the network registered me as a member under the general category. I filed my nomination under the general category. But my nomination was rejected as they considered me under the reserved category which is completely wrong as per their documentation. The Arunodaya Network asked me to put my nomination for the reserved post. In this election, 1 post is reserved for a female sex worker and one from the community of sexual minorities. It is completely unfair to ask me to contest under the reserved category. Rejecting my nomination for the general category is a violation of my right as a member. This is completely undemocratic and against the rights of sex workers.

 

Vijaya Kumar, members of Arunodaya Network:-

Since last 6 months I am the member of the network. I am actively associated Arunodaya Network. I identify myself  as a Bisexual. The Arunodaya network registered me as a member under the reserved (Sexual Minority) category. Even though I am a reserved category member, I am interested to contest in the election for the general category post, which is my right as a member. I wanted to contest from general category to prove that there are sexual minorities who are capable of winning elections, without reservation. This was my sincere effort. I wanted to bring my other sexual minority friends to the mainstream. But rejecting my candidature, they have discriminated me and have violated my rights. If they cannot provide me a chance, as a District Level Network (DLN) what support can they provide to other sexual minorities? I want fair, democratic election process so that there is no discrimination.

Our demands:

1.       The Arunodaya Network should conduct fair and democratic elections according to its bylaws and the law of the land.

2.       There should be no discrimination for the reserved category members contesting in elections.

3.       Reserved category members should be provided equal opportunities.

For more information: Vijaya Kumar (95387 09146), Usha (80507 68692)

Vacancy for PROJECT MANAGER in Sangama, Bangalore for GFATM Round 9 HIV/MSM-TG component

Employing organization: Sangama, Bangalore

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Date of Issue: October 13, 2010

Closing Date: October 20, 2010

About Sangama: Sangama, a human rights organization founded in 1999 works mainly with sexual minorities, sex workers and people living with HIV in India through human rights activism, community led campaigns, providing support to community based organizations, producing documentary films, reports, etc. Helping community organizations in providing health services and advocating for health rights is an important part of our work.

Sangama will implement a long term project titled Project Pehchan: Strengthening of MSM (Men who have sex with Men) and TG (Transgender) Community Systems in partnership with emerging and existing Community Based organisations (CBOs) in the states of Karnataka & Kerala, with funding support from the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), and technical assistance from India HIV/AIDS Alliance, New Delhi. Main objectives of this intervention are: a) To strengthen community systems that reach MSM and TG communities; b) To increase the number of beneficiaries reached by such systems; c) To strengthen the relevant health system resources and d) To increase knowledge and advocacy for MSM and TG concerns.

Sangama is looking for a suitable individual for the position of Project Manager, Project Pehchan.

Job description of Project Manager – Main Functions:

The Project Manager will primarily be responsible for the overall implementation of the project with the MSM and TG communities. The project entails development and strengthening of 34 CBOs across Karnataka & Kerala to reach MSM and TG individuals with HIV messages and services over a period of five years.

The principal role will be managing programmatic, technical and organizational development within Sangama and provide similar support to the programme implementing partner CBOs; supporting and managing programme development and capacity building; promoting innovation and documentation of good practices in HIV/AIDS programming for MSM and TG communities and other vulnerable populations; and, actively representing and contributing to planning and policy work on behalf of Pehchan Project.

Key Responsibilities of the Project Manager:

– The Project Manager will lead, support and manage the development and implementation of various programme implementation plans and budgets (including that of the partner CBOs).

– S/he needs to contribute to the development and implementation of effective monitoring, review and evaluation strategies and activities for the programme against agreed project deliverables.

– S/he needs to work along with other team members in preparing and submitting necessary reports to India HIV/AIDS Alliance, different State AIDS Control Societies (SACS) and Technical Support Units (TSU) on timely basis, and coordinating with the said authorities for various programmes.

–S/he will be required to contribute towards operational research related to the project, and developing tools and resources in prevention programming.

1. Capacity Building and Technical Support to CBOs

– The Project Manager will assess the programmatic, organizational and technical support needs of the CBO partners and will accordingly identify, develop and implement capacity building plans for needs identified for community mobilization, CBO formation and functioning.

– In collaboration with the administration and finance team s/he will review partner financial systems and procedures and facilitate specific technical support in areas of overall programme budgeting, financial management, internal control systems and grant management. S/he also needs to monitor, review and evaluate the progress and impact of the capacity building programmes.

2. Team Planning and Development

– In consultation with Program Director, the Project Manager will develop strategic direction and work plans for the project staff and will closely work with the project team for implementation of all the activities.

 

3. External Relationships and Networking

– The Project Manager will work closely to strengthen Sangama’s working relationship with India HIV/AIDS Alliance, partner CBOs and external institutions involved in HIV/AIDS prevention programmes (including key government agencies, donor agencies, NGO/civil society partners and research institutions).

– In close consultation with the advocacy team, s/he will identify the key advocacy issues at the state and districts levels, and will provide necessary support to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies and activities.

 

Skills/ Qualities Required:

– At least 3 to 5 years of relevant project management experience in the health or development sectors, including at least 3 years’ middle management experience.

– At least 3 years working in HIV prevention programmes, including experience working with MSM and TG populations.

– Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of development issues and the HIV epidemic(s) in India, particularly in relation to MSM/ TG populations and other vulnerable populations.

– Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of donor environment, donor relations and donor Monitoring & Evaluation and reporting systems.

– Demonstrated experience of project proposal development and budget preparation.

– Excellent analytical, writing and verbal communication skills.

– Experience of working with multiple stakeholders in civil society and the government at different levels.

– Experience of providing technical support to and capacity building of organisations, especially those working at the community or grassroots level.

– Ability to work effectively in teams as well as independently.

– Ability and willingness to undertake extensive travel, primarily within India.

– Strong commitment to HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

– Fluency in English required. Fluency in Kannada/ Malayalam preferred.

 

 

Salary will be based on experience and skills.

 

Sangama believes in affirmative action and encourages people from marginalized backgrounds to apply for this post, including: sexual minorities and their family members, sex workers and their family members, people living with HIV and their family members, women, dalits, adivasis, religious minorities and persons with disability.

 

Interested candidates may apply by sending their complete CV (with contact details of self and 2 people who know their work as references) to sangamavikasa@gmail.com by 20^th October, 2010.

 

In Solidarity

 

Arockya Selva

Administrator

Sangama

 

Vacancy for PROGRAM DIRECTOR in Sangama, Bangalore

Employing organization: Sangama, Bangalore

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Date of Issue: October 12, 2010

Closing Date: October 20, 2010

About Sangama: Sangama, a human rights organization founded in 1999 works mainly with sexual minorities, sex workers and people living with HIV in India through human rights activism, community led campaigns, providing support to community based organizations, producing documentary films, reports, etc. Helping community organizations in providing health services and advocating for health rights is an important part of our work.

Sangama’s work is organized into 2 separate programs. Sangama-Vikasa focuses on service provision and developmental activities whereas Sangama-Sangharsha focuses on activism.

Sangama is looking for a suitable individual for the position of Program Director, Sangama-Vikasa

1. Program Director – Sangama Vikasa

Sangama looks for a Program Director to take us forward into the next stage of development.

We are looking for someone who:

– Has at least 5 to 7 years of relevant program management/direction experience in the health or development sectors, including at least 3 years’ at the senior management level experience.

– Understands the principles of social justice and has a clear analysis of class and caste, gender and sexuality, age, religion and disability, and other factors which stigmatise and exclude certain sections of people.
– Is able to lead an organisation concerned with social change and human rights – turning a clear vision and direction into a practical strategy and work programme.
– Is able to write clear and concise English – including reports, proposals, concept notes etc.
– Is able to communicate verbally in English with funders and other international organisations, and in Kannada with local groups and individuals.
– Is able to draft a business plan and translate this into team work plans, and oversee them through to completion.
– Is able to manage complex projects, as well the capacity to seek out and initiate new ones.
– Has a high degree of initiative, and the ability to think strategically and creatively.
– Is efficient and pays attention to the detail of organisational and people management – does what they say they’ll do.
– Is able to build and maintain a wide range of links and networks
– Is experienced at using a collaborative and consultative style of management and enables others to do likewise.
– Understands (i) the principles of creating and leading diverse teams, (ii) a work culture which actively benefits from its diversity
– Respects the history, values and profile of Sangama while taking it forward into a new focus and areas of work.

Previous experience or knowledge of issues of sexuality – while an advantage – is not a pre-requisite.

Salary will be based on experience and skills.

Sangama believes in affirmative action and encourages people from marginalized backgrounds to apply for this post, including: sexual minorities and their family members, sex workers and their family members, people living with HIV and their family members, women, dalits, adivasis, religious minorities and persons with disability.

 

Interested candidates may apply by sending their complete CV (with contact details of self and 2 people who know their work as references) to sangamavikasa@gmail.com by 20^th October, 2010.

 

In Solidarity

 

Arockya Selva

Administrator

Sangama