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Magazine
Spreading awareness
THIS is one stop on the agenda of many western celebrities when they visit the city. Residents of Kamathipura, Mumbai's red light district, are used to the almost-daily intervention of some celebrity presence. But when there was a near stampede caused by actor ASHLEY JUDD'S presence, many wondered why. Judd was here in her capacity as a member of Population Services International in an effort to spread awareness about AIDS/HIV. Judd maintained that it is the "empowerment of women and children, which is an essential tool in this battle". She said it was essential to address not only the sex workers but also the client. "We at PSI have a balanced approach towards AIDS and reproductive health". She said that a lot of Indians were loath to discuss reproductive health issues or sex and it was necessary for them to get over this and talk about the problem. As one who is reading the Bhagvad Gita and Gandhi's thought and philosophy, Judd said, "there are days when I am disheartened by what I have seen but then I remember what I have read and that helps a lot." She feels particularly traumatized by women who feel that they are in a rut and cannot get out of a situation. Asked about the differences in brothels in India, Thailand or Cambodia, she replied, "A brothel is a brothel." Her priority is to see that the issues at hand are "talked about at the grassroots level. People must realise that AIDS can affect anyone. You or me."
SUCHITRA BEHAL
Photo: AP
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