Special features of the organization
VAMP (Veshya AIDS Muquabla Parishad) is a community based organisation of sex workers working to address social inequality and to promote justice amongst communities discriminated against because of sex work, HIV status, gender, caste, and being a sexual minority. It focuses on building solidarity amongst marginalized communities by using a rights centred approach to self-determination and organising the voiceless. VAMP aims to empower women in sex work to assert their rights and to work towards a safer and more enjoyable working and living environment. Apart from running a HIV/AIDS programme, they mediate community disputes, lobby with the police, help women access government systems, and develop leadership potential. They are experienced in community outreach and advocacy, have research and training skills, especially with regard to peer education, and have knowledge on anti-trafficking issues from practice. They are now independent sex workers collective with 5.500 members. VAMP works in thedistricts of Sangli, satara, in western Maharashtra and Belgaum, Bagalkot in North Karnataka. , , Activities: a. Community Outreach to peer based intervention, b. ICTC and referral , for medical services at Government set up. c. Condom distribution d. Advocacy, e. Social , Entitlements , , VAMP runs Peer Based HIV prevention, care and support program in North Karnataka. Currently VAMP is running Targeted Intervention Program supported by MSACS (Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society) in the district of Sangli and Satara. , Tanta Mukti Samitee:- VAMP decided to develop community solutions. From 2012 , conflict redress committees (Tanta Mukti Samitis -TMS) were formed. TMS organises meetings, resolve local disputes, quarrels, files police complaints for serious issues, hand over violent clients or goondas to police. The Vamp s Collective decision making strengthens collectives and gives them dignity in the eyes of mainstream society. It reduces dependence on mainstream redress mechanisms. , VAMP also provides social protection for CABA- Children of Sex Workers, street , Children, VAMP initiated a collective for children Mitra (friend) in 2009. VAMP works , and believes that Sex workers collectives can lead in strengthening children and , ensuring enabling environment for their education, mainstreaming, creating a , sustainable community resource. HIV programmes benefit by this resource to keep , children safe and to use `insiders to run effective HIV interventions , , Through VAMP Institute; VAMP strengthen the leadership among our own community member, and Advocacy at State, National, International level.
