From the outset, Samraksha recognized that HIV prevention could not be addressed in isolation. Women in sex work and sexual minorities, among the most vulnerable groups, were also facing violence, harassment, and systemic discrimination. Unless these challenges were addressed, meaningful HIV prevention was impossible.

Samraksha therefore focused on empowerment and collective action. We supported communities to come together, voice their concerns, and develop their own solutions.

This effort resulted in the creation of 11 community-based organizations representing vulnerable groups, several of which have federated into a national-level collective. Through this process, Samraksha has positively influenced the lives of over 12,000 women in sex work across six districts of Karnataka, and around 5,000 sexual minorities across four districts.