PLA Notes 37 February 2000 15 A new approach to evaluating a peer education programme for sex workers

Document begins: PLA Notes 37 February 2000 15 A new approach to evaluating a peer education programme for sex workers Kate Butcher, Sumi Baral, Krishna Bista and Rajendra Adhikary ! Introduction Mala Two years ago, a peer education programme As a result, we developed an innovative and was developed in Nepal to equip urban sex attractive alternative: the `Mala' system. workers with the skills to help their fellow `Mala' means necklace and is a popular workers practise safer sex, to update their own accessory for all women. We decided to knowledge on risks from unsafe sex and to provide each participant with a set of different provide a forum for sex workers to discuss coloured beads, and during the workshop, and, imaginative approaches to safer sex beyond in consultation with the group, allocated the condom. Initially 18 sex workers, all different colours to different activities relating women, attended and this number has to their role as peer educators as well as their increased as the programme has developed. own sexual practice. The activity relating to The women are keen to become peer educators each colour is listed below. because they are interested to learn about health issues and enjoy increased ...