Chaitanya Mahila Mandali (CMM)” Saving lives…Making A Difference” is the first community based organization in Andhra Pradesh state, developed by a group of women rehabilitated from the Sex Industry, came into existence in the year 2001.Its office and a Drop-in-centre are located near to the Secunderabad Railway and Bus Station for easy accessibility.
Chaitanya Mahila Mandali has been working with/for the female sex workers and their children in Secundrerabad Zone collaboration with TSU, Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) State Government of Andhra Pradesh State,NACO-India ever since the year 2004.
Chaitanya Mahila Mandali’s major focus is to Prevent HIV/AIDS and also to empower towards Collectivization among the sex workers and also, to prevent the children of these women from entering into sex trade once they grow-up.
Ever since, Chaithanya Mahila Mandali came into existence, there has been amazing developments taking place among these women in Sex work, in terms of, health seeking behavior, condom usage and Addressing their Non sexual health needs.
Presently Chaitanya Mahila Mandali is concentrating its work in Secundrerabad Zone about 30 Hotspots covering a target of 3000 sexworkers as per the participatory peer led out reach site assessment done in the year 2008.
Drastic positive change among these women in sex work has been noticed on the subject of myths and misconceptions related to STD/HIV/AIDS as well as Ante retro Viral Therapy.
Regarding change in their attitudes, consistent condom usage has become a mandate; at times of failed negotiation skills female condoms are being used.
Each and every women in sex work perceives, self at risk for STD/HIV therefore, condom usage has become mandatory. And this also has reduced the number of Non regular partners.
The CBO was assessed by the NACO team Government of India, SACS Government of the State officials through Joint Appraisal Team and decided to hand over the intervention to the Community as part of NACP-III community led interventions.
CMM has collectively / democratically elected the representatives of body members according to bye laws of society’s Act 1350, and has been functional with unity for the better developments.
Legal Status of the CBO-CMM:
Registered No.506/2001 under the Andhra Pradesh( Telangana Area) Public Societies Registration Act,1350 Fasli( Act 1 of 1350 F) also, to receive funds from different countries this has been registered under Foreign Contributions (Regulations) Act,1976 (FCRA) under section 6(1) (a) of the Act Reg.No:010230753, Government of India, The Ministry of Home and foreign affairs.
Regarding 80G /12 A, are registered and got the Tax Exemptions.
