PIP: A small-scale intervention program for sex workers employed in brothels in Calcutta, India, grew into a powerful association of men and women fighting for their rights. In 1992, 4000 brothel-based sex workers joined a program with the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIH&PH), as well as with government and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The Sonagachi Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)/HIV Intervention Program (SHIP) was designed to control and prevent HIV infections and STDs among the sex workers through various health services, condom promotion and information, education and communication programs and activities. To ensure sustainability of the program in the target community, AII&PH turned over the SHIP to a registered organization constituted by workers of SHIP, sex workers forums and representatives from government and NGOs.