SOCIETY

They shun flesh trade to join mainstream

     Muzzaffarpur: Over 50 sex workers in Muzaffarpur city of Bihar have got together under the banner of Mahila Adhikar Morcha, or Women's Rights Forum, an organisation formed by the sex workers themselves to ensure their uplift. The stigma attached to this profession makes it virtually impossible for people attached to it to blend with the mainstream of social life. But, the sex workers are hopeful that the Forum would help them rehabilitate. Apart from actively creating awareness against prostitution, the forum also encourages the commercial sex workers to choose from various alternative vocations, ranging from envelope-making, dramatics, to even journalism, according to their inclinations, and to start life afresh.

     The dramatics wing of the forum had staged a skit at the World Social Forum meet in Bombay last month, winning not only accolades but also immense support for their cause. Many of them are even being encouraged to go back to school. "Girls like us and of our age are forced into this flesh trade, we are trying to make them strong. Some of the girls had left their studies midway, so we want them to continue with their studies. They should not indulge in this trade. Rather they should study and earn a living," said Ruksana, a sex worker.

     The forum has rekindled a ray of hope among the sex workers. Starting with just seven members last year, the forum now boasts of over 50 members, a number that is increasing with each passing day. Members include both male and female sex workers of varying age groups, as well as their children. "The aim was to bring these girls into the mainstream and provide them a good and respected life. In the beginning we had only seven girls but after talking to them, , many people joined us," said Pradeep Kumar, a member of the Forum.

     Prostitution is illegal in India but all major cities have red light areas where prostitutes can be hired for small amounts. Most of the women prostitutes lead pathetic lives. Social security assistance like ration cards, health cards and identity cards are rarely possible to attain, and with the scare of AIDS looming large, most cannot even avail of the basic medical facilities. Ninety-four percent of the country's three million sex workers are Indian while the rest are mainly from neighbouring Bangladesh and Nepal. At least 600,000 minors are also employed in the profession and their number is said to be increasing bty 8 to 10 per cent every year.
-Feb 6, 2004

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