Two Sides of the Same Story: Alcohol Use and HIV Risk Taking in South India

This qualitative study examines the role of alcohol in sexual risk among male migrant workers and female sex workers in two South Indian states. Most men reported using alcohol for increased energy and courage prior to their sexual experiences and to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Sex workers, on the other hand, often stated that they avoided alcohol prior to sex in order to stay alert and reduce the risk of violence. Both groups reported that drinking often increased male aggression and reduced condom use. Research is needed to examine the prevalence of these patterns as well as factors associated with sexual risk and violence, in order to develop targeted interventions for these groups. Future risk reduction programs may benefit from addressing safer ways of meeting the needs expressed by the participants. This may include strategies to defuse volatile situations, safe ways of improving the sexual experience, and interventions aimed at alleviating loneliness and isolation for migrants

National Policy for Senior Citizens: 2011

The foundation of the new policy, known as the “National Policy for Senior Citizens 2011” is based on several factors. These include the demographic explosion among the elderly, the changing economy and social milieu, advancement in medical research, science and technology and high levels of destitution among the elderly rural poor (51 million elderly live below the poverty line). A higher proportion of elderly women than men experience loneliness and are dependent on children. Social deprivations and exclusion, privatization of health services and changing pattern of morbidity affect the elderly. All those of 60 years and above are senior citizens. This policy addresses issues concerning senior citizens living in urban and rural areas, special needs of the „oldest old? and older women. URL:[http://socialjustice.nic.in/pdf/dnpsc.pdf].senior citizens, pension, older persons, policy, elderly, poverty line, destitution, women, Social deprivations, exclusion, privatization, health services, oldest old, family bonds, safe, dependent, rural areas, technology, deep-rooted cultural, gender, social bias, longevity, India, elderly population, ageing, demography

Culture and poverty: a case study of a girl with special educational needs from a poor community in South India

Girls with disabilities from lower economic homes are disadvantaged (in terms of gender, disability and poverty) in India, and are often regarded as useless by their communities. There is a need to improve and provide a chance for self-sufficiency among women with disabilities in India. The purpose of this study was to examine the life-chances (i.e. the likelihood of living a self-sufficient life) of girls with disabilities in rural India and subsequently suggest ways through which one can improve these life chances. The study was a single-case study that used data from semistructured interviews carried out in rural Bangalore. It was found, based on the interviews and available literature on the issue,that women with disabilities are at a disadvantage, especially those in rural settings. The most significant factors that seem to affect the life chances of the subject in the study were parental hesitation, a lack of opportunities and low self-esteem and confidence. The study suggests awareness programmes, counselling and the implementation of home-based education services as some ways through which the life-chances of girls with disabilities are likely to improve