Community mobilisation programme for female sex workers in coastal Andhra Pradesh, India: processes and their effects.

Abstract

I recommend reading this paper on setting up community-based organisations (CBOs) of sex workers because they are a key population who should be mobilized to be partners in HIV and sexual transmitted infection (STI) prevention. It reminds us that human beings work better when mobilized for a purpose. I am not at all surprised that not all CBOs described in this article developed at the same speed or level, in particular in the area of decision making and other qualities. Established groups grow differently. In my experience. this is a step-wise process. The first step is to get to know and respect one another, before moving on to the stage of deciding what they will do as a group, their roles and the responsibilities of the group members as well as the expected results. In addition, making decisions on how they aim to fulfill their goals as well as how they will resolve conflicts is an added advantage.