blog post

A Changemaker in HIV and AIDS Awareness

Goma Sodari, 39, is a migrant spouse and an inspiring women activist affiliated with the Parijat Women Advocacy Forum (WAF), a prominent women's rights network in Kailali district. In addition to her work advocating for women's rights, Goma has emerged as a key figure in HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and treatment. She is a volunteer with the Safe Passage campaign and an active peer educator and supporter (PES) under the project implemented by FAYA/Care Nepal. Goma also leads the Chandani Mother Group in her village, empowering local women and driving change.

Before her involvement in the Safe Passage campaign, Goma dedicated her time to women's rights advocacy. However, witnessing the profound impact of HIV and AIDS in her community, especially among migrant families, she shifted her focus. Today, she devotes most of her time to raising awareness about HIV and AIDS.

As a migrant spouse, Goma felt a personal responsibility to address the challenges faced by her community. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “Before the PES training, I had heard about HIV and AIDS, but the information I knew was limited and often incorrect. I thought condoms were only for contraception. Now, I understand how essential they are in preventing HIV transmission.”

Her training equipped her with accurate knowledge and practical tools, enabling her to support her community better. She explains, “I wanted to help relatives and neighbors with blood tests and promote positive living, but I lacked the necessary knowledge. The PES training changed everything for me.”

Motivated to address the lack of awareness about HIV transmission and prevention, Goma has made significant strides. To date, she has referred seven individuals, including her brother and sister-in-law, to voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) centers. She recounts, “My brother-in-law works as a driver in India, which puts him and his wife at risk. I convinced them to get tested. Similarly, I encouraged my neighbor Aarati and her fiancé, both migrant workers, to visit the VCT before getting married. They listened, and now they feel secure and happy.”

Goma doesn’t miss an opportunity to educate those at risk. She recalls a recent incident: “While traveling by bus to my brother-in-law’s house, I met two young army boys. I shared basic information about HIV and AIDS with them during the journey.”

Through her relentless efforts, Goma has educated hundreds of men and women. She actively discusses HIV and AIDS at Chandani Mother Group meetings, where 50 women gather regularly. Additionally, she has taught 125 individuals how to use condoms correctly through hands-on demonstrations.

Goma has also played a leading role in organizing community events. During an HIV and AIDS awareness fair at Bhansar DIC during the Dashain festival, she, along with three women and eleven men, reached out to hundreds of migrant workers returning from India. Distributing IEC materials and condoms, she urged them to protect themselves and their families. “I even met my sister-in-law at the fair and gave her the information she needed to stay safe,” she says with pride.

In her neighborhood, Goma actively supports people living with HIV (PLHIV). She encourages them to embrace positive living, visit ART centers for regular CD4 counts, and adhere to antiretroviral therapy. Her compassionate approach has helped reduce stigma and improve the well-being of those affected.

Goma’s work stands as a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy. From spreading awareness to empowering individuals and families, her efforts are transforming lives and strengthening her community’s resilience against HIV and AIDS. She concludes, “Every conversation, every event, and every person I help is a step toward a safer, healthier community. This work is not just my responsibility; it’s my passion.”