Dear Friends,

Wandering in the wilderness of broken hearts
They wander in the midst of ruthless hearts
Left on the streets by their own kith and kin
To bend and mend their own life for life

For the wandering mental cases
Pondering humane touch is given
For mending their valued life
Treatment is arranged by CHARDEP.

Time in and time out we serve the retarded
With the like minded hearts from press and admin
Tender Loving Care they sigh for; which
CHARDEP gives in time with care and cure measures.

Sharing gives us life and joy to work for
So we share our joy of service with you dear. . .
Refer the News paper clippings we attaché with
Loving care and care for our love to mankind.

GENDER AND HIV

Among the identified people living with HIV/AIDS in the rural areas the female population outnumbers the male population. This is probably because most of the positive male spouses migrate to other localities were they feel comfortable to live rest of their life time. The  HIV positive destitute women are denied basic property rights and their assets are being taken by rest of the family members. The positive women are seldom given care by the family and adding to the misery of the  HIV positive women, their girl children are reported to be abused in the society. These women are anticipating for policies which would ensure social security for them and their children on a long term basis.
The gender bias has not spared the non positive female members of the HIV infected family. In many cases the HIV negative female spouse are looked down upon and are considered  as unfortunate beings and are therefore cast away from families. These innocent women have no means of livelihood for the sustainability of the family. Many believe that AIDS intervention program is not complete unless it meets every need of women and ensure sustainability. It should be noted that women are more vulnerable to the ill effects of this dreadful epidemic and hence, requires more attention  to ensure a healthy tomorrow.
By
Jarvie Bell
Project co-ordinator
APAC project
CHARDEP