Reducing HIV Stigma through Peer Education

The story of Girija, a 19-year-old from Sosahandi Village

Everyone in Girjia's village feared HIV/AIDS as someone had died from it, but no one knew what it was. She was selected by SOVA to become a peer educator and received 2 training sessions on sexual health issues, HIV/AIDS and leadership at SOVA's training center.

Upon returning to her village, Girija, with the support of SOVA, conducted a women's orientation on sexual health that included a group discussion, songs and dance. There, she referred women with symptoms to a SOVA health camp. Afterward, she continued to train her peers and self-help groups.

It was difficult for Girija to talk about sexuality in her village at first, especially with tribals because they thought it was shameful. However, she visited them regularly and now they are all asking, "When is the next health camp?"

It has been 10 months since Girija attended the peer educator training and much in her village has changed. While people used to be silent about sexual health, now they are coming to Girija with questions and going to the village health worker when they need condoms. Girija is now a respected member of her community, contributing to the health and well being of her fellow villagers.

Read more about our Peer Educator Program.