AEGiS-15IAC: Empowerment of young women as to avoid risky behavior.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Empowerment of young women as to avoid risky behavior.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E10108)

Diggaha Ranawaka RU
Institute for Development of Community Strengths, Matara, Sri Lanka

ISSUES: Due to unemployment crisis and poor economic situation in Sri Lanka, the school left youth groups are becoming high risk, vulnerable for STI, HIV/AIDS. Lack of knowledge on STI, HIV/AIDS and non-availability of effective educational programs are two major problems faced by young males and females. Due to expanding tourist industry young females of the coastal belt are becoming vulnerable for high-risk behaviors.

DESCRIPTION: The organization implemented a project to educate school left unemployed young females selected from the coastal zone of Matara district in southern region of Sri Lanka. We conducted 21 one-day participatory training workshops for 619 young females. Each program comprised nearly 30-35 participants. Medical persons also attended as resource persons. We were able to teach them about sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, sexual behavior and related facts about sex education. Within a period of one year we covered the target. Most of the programs were held in Buddhist temples, which is unusual. Pre-test results clearly recorded the poor knowledge level, but post-test results indicated the development in terms of knowledge.

LESSONS LEARNED: High level of vulnerability for STI, HIV/AIDS due to poverty and tourism. High demand for sex industry in the coastal zone was confirmed by the incidents taken place in tourist guesthouses and coastal hotels. Operational system prevailing in terms of sex industry within the coastal zone has been identified.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Participatory educational programs on STI, HIV/AIDS should be expanded up to grass root level. Flow of information should be systematized. Appropriate ways for income generation for young females should be organized and implemented. Training of more peer educators for rural sector is necessary.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Behavior, Sex Education, HIV Infections, Sexual Behavior, HIV Seropositivity, Infection, Teaching, Sri Lanka, Humans, Female, Male, economics, education

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E10108