Celebrating a journey of change, over hundred HIV positive women in Delhi underscored the need for women's leadership to combat the Virus at the national convention on the World AIDS Day.

A journey that began a decade ago with just a few has now found voice among thousands from across the country. The once silenced community is now speaking out.

From a picture of despair, the women have emerged as examples of courage in combating obstacles including stigma and discrimination, access to treatment and above all unequal gender relations.

Lighting hope by setting an example

Kaushalya, president of positive women's network, greets guests with a smile that hides a struggle of years and exudes a resplendent courage and hope for the future.

As she recounts her journey that began in late 90's there is a tenacity of conviction in her voice:

"When I started there were not many supporters but there was a need to unite women living with HIV from across the country. It wasn't easy but we did come a long way."

Her vision has come true. Kaushalya's is no longer a lone voice but has found an echo in the teeming thousands.

"Women must take centre stage. Only when women are involved in HIV intervention programmes can the needs of women and girls be effectively addressed," she says.

Rising to the challenge and 'earning' dignity

Stigma and discrimination pushes HIV people to isolation which in turn makes it difficult for them to lead a normal life. Lack of education and livelihood support further adds to the problem.

For 27 year Lilly from Manipur, life came to a standstill when her husband died of AIDS passing on the virus to her. Ousted from her husband's home, she found support in her mother and a few well meaning friends. She is now an active member of the positive women's network.

"My two children were not allowed to come with me when I was forced out by my in-laws. I was filled with self doubt and despair. On my friend's suggestion I started getting involved with NGOs working on the issue which helped me find a new voice," says Lilly.

Challenges before Uma from Chennai were no different. She got to know about her HIV status during her first pregnancy. Her in-laws knowingly concealed their son's status from Uma and her family. Her two sons were also born positive.

"My in-laws denied us any share in the property. I had to support my kids. That's when I joined an income generation program that provided me skills in making bags, folders, photo frames. I don't have to depend on anyone now and I can live a life of dignity," Uma proudly tells.

Leading from the front

They may have different stories to share but all of them are aware of their rights and are leading from the front to demand their due.

"There needs to be greater involvement of women at all levels starting right from the community to the national and international level," says Kaushalya, "We are here to reach out to the authorities with recommendations on the same."

The recommendations will be submitted to NACO (National AIDS Control Organisation), government departments looking after health and women and children welfare and UN agencies.

National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) III already makes a case for 'greater involvement' of people living with HIV and AIDS in the decision-making, planning and implementation processes of government bodies, NGOs, and donor organizations.

"There has for sure been a shift towards people centric approach, but government and donors need to do more to bring women in the focus as women continue to remain at greater risk," says Christy Abraham of ActionAid.

"In the battle against AIDS there is a need to look at the day to day challenge a woman faces. It is not just a health issue. Literacy and skill building must go hand in hand to address the problem. It not only ensures livelihood but also an opportunity to lead a life with dignity," adds Shantha of Positive Women's Network. Nearly 40 percent of those now contacting the HIV virus are women. Biologically also women are more susceptible to HIV.

Women have come forward from the shadows of silence to speak out loud and clear. These voices must surely be heard.