About Us

Shakti Mahila Sangha is a community-based organization (CBO) dedicated to empowering and supporting sex workers and vulnerable populations in Belagavi District, Karnataka, India.

Established in 1998, Shakti Mahila Sangha emerged as a response to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic among sex workers in Gokak. Our journey began with outreach services, counseling, and advocacy.

Shakti Aids Tadegattuva Mahila Sangha Working towards sexual and human rights of sex workers, a Community Based Organization (CBO) formed as a collective effort by a group of sex workers in 1998. Group of women in sex work were inspired by movement inSonagachi towards sexual & human rights of sex workers. With the help of a local NGO, these women formed a collective called Shakti Aids Tadegattuva Mahila Sangha on 17th March 1998. Shakti Mahila Sangha is legally registered under Karnataka Societies Act. Shakti Mahila Sangha envisions to be a vibrant and sustainable Shakti Mahila Sangha improving women’s lives by responding effectively to the needs of every woman. It aims to provide high-quality services and facilities in accordance with the requirements of Shakti Mahila Sangha with capacitated human resources.

All programs of Shakti Mahila Sangha are based on human rights which embodies dignity, rights, and development. Shakti Mahila Sangha works predominantly in Belgaum district with around 8747 Women in Sex Work (WSW). Over the years, Shakti Mahila Sangha has Implemented Avahan 1, 2 & 3 Phase projects from 2005 to 2017, World bank funded project in 2008, & currently implementing 2 TIs (Target Intervention) Projects with the support of Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society & NACO. The organization focuses to address the needs of every sex worker, addressing stigma and discrimination, empowering the women to control over their resources and rights, building the capacities in order to safeguard their lives and livelihood. Shakti Mahila Sangha is also the Su-sub-recipient of GFATM C19RM SP grant and is implementing the project(April-Dec 2023) along with 2 other community based organizations Through this grant, Shakti Mahila Sangha will be reaching out to marginalized communities through facilitating services for identity cards,bank accounts and social protection schemes.

Empowering marginalized communities, especially sex workers, has been my life’s purpose. In 1998, I founded Shakti AIDS Tadegattuva Mahila Sangha (SATMS) to address the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS in Gokak.

Our journey began with a small team of dedicated individuals, driven by compassion and determination. Today, SATMS stands as a beacon of hope, providing comprehensive services to thousands of beneficiaries.

At SATMS, we believe in:

– Community-led initiatives

– Empowerment through education and economic independence

– Dignity and human rights for all

– Smt. Lalita B Harijan

Best TI award from KSAPS in 2017

Best TI award from KSAPS in 2020

Best Social worker award from NFI Delhi

D.Devaraj Arasu district level award from state Government