Voices of change: Freddy Cahuina Ramos
Freddy Cahuina Ramos is treasurer of the Lazos sin Fronteras working group on HIV/AIDS advocacy with key populations in Arequipa. He is 37 years old and has been living with HIV for a number of years.
“I am very happy to be a part of Lazos sin Fronteras because it helps me to develop my active involvement, gain greater knowledge and, above all, undertake more effective advocacy work so that we can gain some improvements in what we are trying to achieve through our actions.
“One lesson I have learned through my involvement in Lazos sin Fronteras is the tolerance I have discovered within myself. Working with other groups, both men who have sex with men and sex workers was a little difficult to begin with, but now I feel that I can identify more closely with my friends in these groups and I am learning to be much more tolerant and, above all, to work as a team, in coordination. Communication among us is also improving greatly.
“Personally, I would like to improve my work and my involvement as a reference point within the working group and, in the long-term, make Lazos sin Fronteras a positive and general reference point within our region, representing the three key populations. I think we have a great deal to give in the future and I am very happy to be a part of this process.
“In the future, I see a well-placed working group, recognised by the whole of civil society, by the authorities throughout my region and nationally.
“The idea is not only to work in the region but also with the central authorities. This is necessary because many policies come from the central level and I see Lazos sin Fronteras as an empowered association, highly recognised with clearly defined objectives and, above all, doing good, concrete work."
