We empower marginalized communities of Female Sex workers, Bar Girls and Transgender Individuals to lead a life of dignity and fulfillment.
We deeply understand the unique challenges faced by our key beneficiaries - Female Sex Workers, Bargirls, Transgender individuals. Based in Panvel, Mumbai, we strive to foster an environment where these communities feel valued and empowered. We provide essential services and support, enabling them to express themselves freely. As we embark upon our 25th year - our mission is to uplift these marginalized communities, ensuring we rise together.
544
Female
Sex Workers
2451
Bar Girls
216
Men who have
Sex with Men
Peer Educators of Lokparishad
171
Transgender
Persons
Our Upcoming Initiatives
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Achieve Zero Prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
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Promote the Well-being and Dignity of female sex workers and transgender individuals
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Facilitate access to social benefits and financial independence
MISSION
To build a world where female sex workers and transgender individuals are empowered to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives with dignity and hope.
VISION
Our Approach
Our work is data-driven and geographically focused. Through comprehensive research and collaboration with members of the community, we identify areas with a high concentration of bars, female sex workers and transgender individuals. These locations, often referred to as "hotspots", present unique challenges and opportunities for the interventions.
By understanding the needs and challenges of our target population, we tailor our outreach, prevention, and support services to meet their specific needs. This targeted approach allows us create a safer, healthier environment for these vulnerable communities, achieving maximum reach and impact.
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Target Bars
43
Areas of Work
Panvel, Raigad Dsitrict
Over the last few decades, these hotspots have become home to a growing population of FSWs, bar girls, and TG individuals. Recognizing their critical challenges and needs, we have strategically chosen to operate in these specific areas across Panvel and Raigad district of Maharashtra. Our focus is on providing accessible health services and economic opportunities to support this marginalized community.
Where We Operate
Target Hotspots
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Sex workers, bar girls, and transgender individuals face heightened vulnerability to HIV infection - our primary focus is to promote a healthy lifestyle among these population.
HIV/AIDS Prevention
Beyond HIV prevention, we also prioritize comprehensive healthcare for our communities.
Health and Well-being
Recognizing the lack of social safety nets among our communities, we are committed to ensuring access to government entitlements and social welfare programs.
Access to Social Benefits
One of our core endeavors is to provide access to additional income generation and livelihood opportunities for our target communties.
Economic Independence
Rekha’s journey from working as a bar girl to becoming a key staff member at Lok Parishad is a powerful testament to the potential for change. Originally from UP, Rekha entered bar work with the hope of providing a better future for her daughter, who remains unaware of her mother’s struggles.
Determined to create a new path, Rekha joined Lok Parishad as a Peer Educator. Her hard work and commitment didn’t go unnoticed, and she was soon promoted to Supervisor.
Today, Rekha stands as a community leader, showing that with the right support, it’s possible to rise from the margins to the mainstream.
Beneficiary
Saniya Jhadav, a 25-year-old trans woman, was abandoned by her family. Thanks to the Transgender Housing Scheme, she now lives in a supportive community free of cost. This initiative provides crucial support and a safe space for individuals like Saniya to rebuild their lives.
Her story is a testament to the impact of community support and the positive changes we strive to create. We are committed to continuing this work and supporting more individuals in their journey toward stability and dignity.
Beneficairy
At 30, Faujiya Khan has found a new path through our Paper Plate Making initiative. Now, she earns an average of INR 10,000 per month, standing strong and independent.
Her story is a testament to the power of skill-building and the impact it can have on lives.
Beneficairy
Our Team
Founded by Ashok Gaikwad, Lokparishad was established in 2000.
Lokparishad is currently led by Mr.Ashok Gaikwad, as the organization's President. Two Project Managers oversee operations, supported by M&E, counselling and medical teams. Outreach Workers (ORW) and Peer Educators (PE), who are from the community itself, form the frontline, engaging with the community.
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HEAD OFFICE
B2/3, Amrit CHS Society,
Plot no 6, Sect 14,
Cidco New Panvel,
Raigad, Maharashtra,
410206
CONTACT
+91-9819864064
+91-9867916513
POSTAL ADDRESS
Lokparishad
Narmada Complex, Shop No.41/42, Railway Station Road, Old Panvel, Raigad, Maharashtra,
410206
SOCIALS
Facebook
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*This website was made possible by the generous support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Lokparishad and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
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