Incidentally, at least 25% of all new HIV infections are now among
women (NACP, 2002). In addition, reproductive health for women and
decision making upon them require women increased access to
information and support. Women also need access to legal information
about treatment consent issues for their HIV positive children.
The complexities of the lives and circumstances of women living with
HIV require then, women’s involvement at the highest level in policy
and program design in order to effectively address these issues. As
an appropriate response to these issues, INP+ formed its National
Women’s Forum (NWF) in July, 2007.
Dr. Renuka Chowdhury, Minister for Women and Child Development, lit
the lamp to mark the inauguration of the NWF. A National Women's
committee is constituted with Ms. Jahnabi Goswami as chairperson.
The National Women's Forum (NWF) is constituted through an amendment
to the existing by laws of INP+/SLN/DLN
and has autonomous functionary. The National Women's Forum is a
grass roots model with democratic functions and these are
constituted at the SLN/DLN
level and they are
the part of the respective SLN/DLN
and they are not separately registered bodies.
Our NWF is with a mission of Access to Services, Equity of Justice,
Opportunity and respect and Empowerment through involvement. NWF
strives to reduce vulnerabilities of women and children and their
risk transmission. |
