All of them have a common story to narrate — of stigma and discrimination that come with their profession.
All of them have a common story to narrate — of stigma and discrimination that come with their profession. Woman sex workers from across the state came together to observe the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, in Mysore, on Tuesday.
The event was hosted by Mysore-based Ashodaya Samithi, a community-based organisation of male and female sex workers.
As part of the Women’s Day celebration, Karnataka Sex Workers Union (KSWU) put forth the demand of their right to work with dignity. The union formed in 2006 consists of about 1,000 registered members across the state.
Sex workers from various parts of the country also joined the celebrations. Various groups including sex workers and transgenders, have been hosting a week-long Women’s Day celebrations since March 4 in Mysore.
The sex workers also demanded decriminalisation of their profession, repeal of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) and the right to fair and safe working conditions. Experts believe that legalisation of the trade can reduce cases of discrimination against sex workers and their children.
“We are no different from any other woman. We also work to earn money and raise a family. Then, why is there so much discrimination and state-sponsored atrocities against us?” asked Sabita S, a senior member of KSWU.
Sex workers allege that the police often resort to violence and extort money from them.
Currently, prostitution is a contentious issue in India. India is estimated to have two million female sex workers (85,000 in Karnataka).
According to a Human Rights Watch report, the country’s anti-trafficking laws are designed to combat the commercialised vice. Prostitution, as such, is not illegal. Brothels are illegal de jure, but in practice are restricted to certain areas.
“Women are mostly forced into sex trade. Being a sex worker is a stigma and society discriminates us,” said Shobha, an HIV positive sex worker.
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