Jeevan Jyoti Mahila Sangh

Who do you work with?

Jeevan Jyoti Mahila Sangh is a established CBO aim to advocate for the human rights of the  vulnerable women and girls through self lead group and that is  FSWs.  At present, 1150 members (FSWs) are affilated under JJMS network and its Executive Board is lead by 7 young FSWs. JJMS is getting success  to empower its members to live their live with dignity and can fight for their human rights including sex work right. Almost,100  members of JJMS have disclosed their work status (sex work) in their families and communities and have developed strong safety network within their close community to prevent GBV and act quickly to address the violence.  It has developed/being developing strong network and collaboration with concerned government and non government stakeholders to address the human rights issues of the vulnerable women and girls collectively.

How are sex workers involved in your organisation?

Our field based peer member has been reach the sex workers and they tell them about organization objective, mission, vision and goal. then they can share their interest of involvement.  

Which of NSWP priority areas does your organisation work on?
Oppose the criminalisation and other legal oppression of sex work and support its recognition as work
Critique the trafficking paradigm that conflates representations of sex work, migration, and mobility
Advocate for universal access to health services, including primary health care, HIV and sexual and reproductive health services
Speak out about violence against sex workers, including violence from police, institutions, clients, and intimate partners, while challenging the myth that sex work is inherently gender-based violence
Oppose human rights abuses, including coercive programming, mandatory testing, raids and forced rehabilitation
Challenge stigma and discrimination against sex workers, their families and partners, and others involved in sex work
Advocate for the economic empowerment and social inclusion of sex workers as sex workers
What are the two main challenges that the sex workers you work with face

Since, sex work is criminalization in Nepal's constitution  we used to face challenges frequently  from government authorities at different level. For example- Some time we face unnecessary discussion in Social Welfare Council to register the project/renewal  BUT we do lobby by showing our organization's legislation whch has mentioned clearly  "JJMS Non Profit" organization and working for vulnerable girls and women by themselves for their/our Humen Right. Similarly, we face torture  from police authorities frequently . However, we have esabished sound realtionship with our geographical police administration and other autorities which support us to negotiate with police and relase our peer from police custody. Patriarchal thinking exists in majority of the Nepalese societies so  women in sex work face challenges including GBV  related to socio-cultural  norms in practising  human rights including labour right. However, our members are empowirng to  deal with these barriers  with support of law makers,  human-rights activists along with own groups Close Group  Rapid Act Circle.Furthermore, majority of our members are illiterate and have limited education exposure so  we  face challenge in project managment skill and leadrship skill due to language barrier. Hence, we are achieving success results to create feminist leadership from FSWs community by consistant supportive supervision, mentoring and coach and seeking resources from our likemided donors. Our members are young and have learning attitude so they are progressive to learn english langugae and other skill like using internet.

Describe other areas of your work

We have work on community system strengthening through capacity building activities and organizational development activities.

Country
Nepal