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Sex workers assert their rights in Pune

They are negotiating with cops and civic officials through a body of representatives.

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A young woman, the only letter literate one amongst the group, silently takes down minutes of the meeting in a corner while, the core group of elected women representatives, thrashes out community issues to be taken up by the group for empowerment of women in their area.

Elected representatives and community issues. The two words that assert political and citizenship rights are impossible to associate with female sex workers (FSWs). Yet, the FSWs in Budhwar Peth have decided to change this situation and are now asserting their civic rights and negotiating with police and civic officials through a newly elected body of representatives from the community.

In March 2011, sex workers from Budhwar Peth met at the community learning centre (CLC) started by Maharashtra District Aids Control Society and NGO Pathfinder International. The women were troubled by constant police raids as well as lack of civic amenities that was adversely affecting their ‘business’.

“With our help, the women decided to get together and address their issues collectively. Hence, we held elections in June 2011 and a core committee of 12 FSWs got elected. The task before them was not just related to their business like ensuring no minors in brothels or propagating condom usage but taking up issues beyond their profession," said Dr Khursid Bhalla from Pathfinder International.

The core committee meets at the CLC established in Budhwar Peth that was initially meant as a space for sex workers to network and share common concerns. It is now a centre where vocational training programmes like beauty parlour services and tailoring skills are taught to FSWs.

Sarita Chauhan, president of the core committee, recalled how the group first tasted success by organising a meeting with local ward officers. “Earlier, the garbage would not get lifted for days and the stench in the area turned customers away. Hence, we met ward officials and asked for help. Continuous follow-up ensured that the garbage vans now come twice a day to lift garbage,’’ she said.

Another sex worker Kanika (name changed on request) said even getting small jobs done has given them new confidence.

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