HIV infected women’s exquisite wares

Women may be vulnerable but not weak. This was the slogan under which women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS displayed their works at an exhibition today to mark International Women’s Day 2004

Sneha support group of women and children afflicted by HIV and AIDS, which organized the fair, brought together representatives of the support group from various parts of the country, including Hetauda, Makawanpur, Nawalparasi and Butawal. The major objective of the event was to create awareness about women living with and suffering from HIV/AIDS.

The occasion was not only an opportunity for these women to put up displays of their works but also to sell them. The items displayed at the fair were made by the women themselves and also included candles made by women addicted to drugs.

Moreover, the exhibition provided a forum for these women to interact with concerned agencies. These dialogues may lead to additional support to the ongoing efforts being made by the Sneha group and its district representatives.

Tshering Sherpa, founding member of the Sneha support group, said, “This will also boost their morale to carry on with the battle they are fighting against HIV/AIDS,” adding that the women had been preparing for the event for the past four months.

“The proceeds from the sale will be put aside as an emergency fund for the treatment of women and children infected by HIV/AIDS,” she informed.

Chautari Nepal, another organization formed by the wives of men who are intravenous drug users (IDUs), also put up display items ranging from sweaters to decorative items. The organization produces handicraft goods on a small scale.

“We only make goods that are ordered by our customers,” said a member of Chautari Nepal, requesting anonymity. She added that the business was difficult as the women had neither sewing machines nor financial resources to purchase the necessary raw materials.

“If this business can be continued, then I believe that women can make a good enough living,” she said.

Another fair participant was the recently established Chitawan Positive Group, which displayed cloth paintings. There are 11 women who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in this group. “The women are eager to learn the skills, but it’s difficult for them to even buy the cloth required for painting,” said a member of the group.

Jyoti Punar Jeevan Group, from Hetauda, is also going through the same dilemma. “We don’t get returns according to the hard work that we have to put in. We are especially facing difficulty marketing our products,” said a member of the group.

On a more optimistic note, a member of Makawanpur Women’s Group said that using these skills had given hope to women. “We are just beginning, and we must not be discouraged,” she said, adding, “instead of having to resort to hard labor, we can easily work at home and earn some money.”

This women’s group, consisting of 17 infected and affected members, mainly produce Nepali paper files, envelopes and paper. They also sell packed spices, which is exported overseas, mainly to India. Sneha has 23 members in its support group in Kathmandu and 5 members from outside the valley

Meanwhile, artists associated with Sahara Arts also portrayed beautiful paintings of Nepal’s scenery, the conflict that is tearing the nation apart and the AIDs symbol at the exhibition. The paintings were signed by people living with HIV/AIDS.