Radhaben - A Link Worker with a difference

Link Workers Scheme has been going on in some villages of Chhota Udepur since last three years. One male and one female worker were selected from each village. 25 years old Radhaben Rathwa was a female Link Worker selected from Khadakwada village. Educated up to XII Std, Radhaben was just a housewife. Since she was from Vadodara city, she was very happy to get this opportunity to work outside her home.

She informed that “Youth in this area go out for labor work. In absence of their parents they get the freedom to indulge in sexual activity. Also young women, who work in homes of landlords, are exploited sexually. Since it was not possible to control the situation, at least they could be educated to prevent HIV/AIDS as a result of multiple sexual partners”.

To impart this knowledge, Youth Information Centers were established. By providing various games at the centre, youth were attracted to come there. Here they were provided information and knowledge related to STI/HIV prevention and risk reduction to promote behavior change.

Young girls could discuss their personal problems openly with Radhaben and seek her guidance. Those who needed treatment were referred to concerned authority. She would ensure proper distribution of condoms through condom depots.

Radhaben participates in Mamta Divas and counsels pregnant and lactating mothers for nutrition, sex education, HIV testing, immunization and family planning and ensures nutritious food for them from Anganwadis. Also adolescent girls receive iron tablets and supplementary food. Due to this program Anganwadi started functioning regularly. In the same building a library was started with books on subjects like health, education, agriculture, livelihood and religion. All age people take advantage of the library. In the evening people get together here and various topics are discussed. Radhaben is actively involved in spreading information and messages on HIV/AIDS and hopes to add more books to the library. She has been a Link Worker with a difference.