Public Health
Live Projects
Freedom Foundation
Every day, this group of women run a small business on the outskirts of Bangalore, Karnataka. They are Sunita Ashok, Lalita Sarona, Shailaja, Veena Jayram, Mary Ullas, Pushpa Guru and Shoba. The women cater food, distribute cleaning goods and tailor clothes for the surrounding community. All but Mary are HIV-positive and widowed from the disease. The business provides the women an income, and enables them to lead an independent life in which they can provide for their children.
AIF grant partner Freedom Foundation works with women who have been affected by HIV to provide them the resources to lead independent lives. Freedom Foundation organizes women into self-help groups, which run small businesses and promote group savings.
These women are marketing household cleaning supplies, bought in bulk, to local small businessses. Another activity is a catering service for the short stay home, hospital, and children's orphanage run by Freedom Foundation. They produce a highly nutritious mixture to boost the immune system and each packet is sold at minimal price to other patients. These businesses generate a profit of $1,500 - $2,000 each annually.
The program is an important step in ensuring a life of dignity for the 5.7 million people in India living with HIV.