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| Shefina, Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam |
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Though the initial days were tough, later everyone came to appreciate the sincerity of her purpose. Even doctors became more sensitive. And today, at least 20 sex workers have bid goodbye to their inglorious past thanks to Shefina’s effort.
From among those who had turned a new leaf in life, Field Animators and Peer Education Coordinators were selected. The Field Animators were paid Rs.950 and the Coordinators Rs.1500.
Her next attempt was to get them a job. She approached Muhammed Basheer, Municipal Chairman of Muvattupuzha who spoke to T.K.Jose, the Director of Kudumbashree. And that paved the way for them to register under the umbrella organisation. In the absence of a ration card or identity card, they were issued a special order by Kudumbashree.
Their ‘Swaruma’ Self Help Group has been entrusted with the task of laundry work at District Hospital and removal of waste from shops in Muvattupuzha. The Municipality contributed Rs.100000, with half as loan and the rest subsidy, in addition to providing a vehicle with driver. Already they have repaid Rs.28000 of the loan amount.
Born in an orthodox Muslim family, Shefina had chosen social work as her path in life. She was selected as the best social activist by the Muvattupuzha Municipality in 2004. Her aspiration was to get a husband who would appreciate the work she was doing. And luckily for her, Vinovin, a socially committed journalist, fulfilled that desire. They have a son.
Shefina is at present Manager at the Partnership for Sexual Health Project being run by the State Aids Control Society.
Courtesy: Jolly Adimatra, Grihalakshmi, April 2005
Contributed by: Administrator
