Asia - India / Women of Sangli

Suman Ppapat Gorad - “It was really shocking for me when I tested HIV positive one-and-half years ago after my husband died through AIDS. But the most horrible time was when the whole village refused to send their children to the school where I work as a cook; they demanded I stop working there as I am a HIV positive. They believed I could spread the virus amongst the children. I wanted to commit suicide during that time, but then I met with an organization called SANGRAM that helps and support positive people. They heard my story and immediately started a campaign in my village to help everyone understand the truths and facts of HIV. After this I was able to start working again in the school. I have three children. To support my family I have my job at the school and I also have my own farmland where I grow crops. I just want to live, work and look after my children”.

 

Photograph by Nilayan Dutta / Drik.

 

All photographs have been commissioned by Positive Lives and are shown here with full agreement of the photographer. Full copyright remains with the photographer.

 

If you are interested in commissioning an exhibition or community programme featuring Positive Lives, contact Mathew Birch at the International HIV/AIDS Alliance mbirch@aidsalliance.org

 

Please quote the following image reference number if you wish to use or include this image.

 

NDA-40001012

 

 

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