CASE STORY: ANJALI'S JOURNEY TO RESILIENCE
Challenge:
Anjali, a 38-year-old woman from Hanumakonda, found herself facing overwhelming challenges after her husband abandoned her. Struggling with loneliness, societal judgment, and the lack of a support system from her family, Anjali was left questioning her future. The financial burden, combined with emotional distress, made it difficult for her to envision a way forward.
Intervention:
In a moment of vulnerability, Anjali joined our health group, which offered more than just health services—it provided a sense of belonging and community. Through the group, she received a single woman’s pension and essential commodities, addressing her immediate financial needs. When she fell ill later that year, with no one to care for her, the Health Welfare Foundation (HWF) stepped in, taking her to the Primary Health Center (PHC) for treatment and providing necessary medications. Additionally, Give India supported her by delivering essential goods and offering health guidance, helping her focus on recovery without the stress of basic needs.
Outcome:
Anjali’s life took a positive turn as she began to regain her health and sense of purpose. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Joining the health group with RDMM was like finding a new family. It gave me the courage and confidence to face life again.” Today, Anjali is deeply grateful to RDMM, Give India, TAARAS, and Swasti Organization for their unwavering support.Her story is a testament to the power of community-based support systems. It demonstrates that even in the most challenging times, a network of care and compassion can help individuals rebuild their lives, restore hope, and find resilience.
CHALLLENGES IN FY 2023-24
The RDMM (Rudrama Devi Mahila Mandali) organization has faced multiple challenges in its mission to support vulnerable community members with health, livelihood, and social empowerment services. The following outlines these critical challenges and the organization’s strategic responses:
Accessto Healthcare for STI and Other Health Issues
Challenges:
Many members hesitate to disclose health concerns related to anemia, diabetes, cancer, cervical cancer, and STIs at government hospitals due to the stigma attached and fear of being Furthermore, they cannot afford private healthcare costs. Additionally, limited treatment facilities for conditions linked to STIs present a significant healthcare gap.
Strategic Response:
RDMM is continuing to bridge these gaps by proactively partnering with both government and private hospitals to ensure accessible healthcare services for members. These partnerships aim to overcome financial barriers and provide members with the necessary health treatments without fear of stigma.
Livelihood Support and Municipal Collaboration
Challenges:
Obtaining municipal approval for livelihood activities was a major hurdle due to government departments’ concerns about the sustainability and consistency of loan repayments. There were questions about the accountability of members if they failed to repay their loans.
Strategic Response:
RDMM took responsibility for each member by assuring their loan repayments and supporting them in establishing sustainable livelihood options. This commitment from RDMM helped address government concerns, easing approval processes for members to conduct their livelihood activities in local markets.
Frequent Changes in Government Officials
Challenges:
Frequent rotations of government officials pose difficulties in maintaining continuous support and building trust with authorities, slowing down program implementation and making it challenging to ensure steady progress on initiatives.
Strategic Response:
RDMM continues to rebuild relationships with new officials and invest in advocacy efforts to sustain awareness and support for community-based programs, reinforcing the importance of consistent backing for community empowerment.
Community Stigma and Law Enforcement Issues
Challenges:
Despite a Supreme Court judgment recognizing sex work as legitimate livelihood, community members still experience stigma. Police raids, fines, and other harassment continue, which hampers their freedom to work without fear and limits access to health services.
Strategic Response:
RDMM has engaged with the (DLSA) and high- level officials to advocate for women in sex work’ rights, including protection against harassment. These advocacy efforts aim to foster an environment of dignity and safety for community members engaged in sex work.
Shiftin Community Members Hotspots and Communication Barriers
Challenges:
Members have shifted to client-based communication via mobile phones, reducing their visibility in previous community hotspots. This has made it challenging for RDMM to conduct field visits, provide condoms, and offer counseling on health and safety.
Strategic Response:
RDMM is adapting to this shift by developing strategies to better track and monitor members’ health service engagement. This approach includes creating a system to follow up with members remotely and support their ongoing healthcare needs.
Fundingand Resource Constraints
Challenges:
Limited funding and technical resources impact RDMM’s capacity to meet governance requirements, conduct impactful community activities, and create Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials for health awareness.
Strategic Response:
RDMM is actively seeking partnerships and funding sources to cover these needs. This includes outreach for technical support and resources that would enable them to expand their advocacy and health awareness programs within the community.
Challenges for People Living with HIV and Severe Health Conditions
Challenges:
Members living with HIV face additional health complications like cancer and other severe conditions, but treatment options in government hospitals for these critical issues are limited. Financial constraints prevent them from seeking treatment at private facilities.
Strategic Response:
RDMM is working to connect members with additional healthcare funding sources and exploring alternative treatment options to support members with severe health issues. This includes continuous advocacy for expanded treatment coverage in government hospitals.
Through persistent efforts, RDMM addresses these challenges with an adaptive and strategic approach to ensure that the community receives adequate health and livelihood support. By strengthening partnerships, enhancing advocacy, and continually evolving strategies, RDMM aims to bridge the gaps in healthcare, reduce stigma, and empower community members to live with dignity and improved access to essential services.
ACTION PLAN FY 2024-25
Building Institutional Capacity for Sustainable Growth:
Strengthen institutional capacity by enhancing governance, promoting transparency, and ensuring regular staff training, while fostering collaboration with stakeholders for sustained growth and impact.
Resource mobilization:
Focus on identifying diverse funding sources including engaging with government schemes, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, and individual donors. The focus will be on building strong relationships with existing and potential donors, creating proposals, and showcasing the impact of the organization’s work to secure necessary resources for future growth and sustainability.
Livelihood Support:
Extend livelihood assistance to 120 members to enhance economic stability within the community.
Social IDs and Schemes:
Support 2,000 members in acquiring Social IDs and accessing Social Schemes.
Establish Residential Facilities:
Identify locations for residential facilities for elderly and orphaned women, secure funding through donors and government schemes, and offer holistic care, including medical, nutritional, and psycho-social support.