Key strategies and programs
For the last four decades, SRED has unwaveringly addressed issues related to caste- and gender-based discrimination and violence. Women survivors and leaders are also equipped for lobbying efforts and advocacy-building in the promotion of progressive laws related to domestic violence, r**e, s*xual harassment in the workplace (including violence against s*x workers), la
nd rights, s*xual reproductive health, and other interventions on Tamil Nadu’s state policies. SRED has also worked with SC/ST to protect the rights of Dalits. Among the Dalit are three sub-castes: Pallar, Paraiyar, and Athi Thamilar. Caste discrimination and violence prevails among these three communities. Through awareness-raising, capacity-building and leadership training, SRED ensures that these three groups support each other and work together on equal footing. S*x workers are also empowered and mobilised to form their own movement. They are educated of their rights according to law, and they support each other especially in times of arrest and need for bail. They are also provided with opportunities to alternative livelihood to encourage them to leave s*x work. Health and medical support is also given to those who are HIV positive, while regular HIV testing is also provided.
