Frame policies to protect sex workers’ children: Activists to Karnataka government

Bengaluru: Activists in the city have urged the government to formulate a policy protecting children of sexual minorities, sex workers, and transgender people from discrimination in education and public institutions.

Speaking at a press conference held in the city on Tuesday, transgender and social rights activist Akkai Padmashali, Sadhana Mahila Sangha member and sex workers' activist Geetha, Prakruti Kala Seva Samiti member and sex workers' activist Anitha, and Karnataka State Gender and Sexual Minorities Coalition for Convergence member Monika called upon the government to frame a policy to safeguard the rights of sex workers, sexual minorities, and their children.

They also demanded the central and state governments ensure the rights and welfare of children born to sex workers, former Devadasis, and gender or sexual minorities.

Key requests include inclusive policies without requiring the father's name for documentation, special educational and job reservations, legal protection from discrimination, safe housing, financial support like Rs 10 lakh for self-employment, and dedicated counters in courts and hospitals.

A committee should oversee implementation, and awareness must be raised among officials. Policies must reflect contemporary society and empower mothers through official recognition and support, ensuring their children have equal access to education, identity, healthcare, and opportunities without stigma.

Sharing her perspective, Anitha said that children should not be asked for their father's name in educational and public institutions. "The father leaves and sex workers have to bring up the children on their own. We do not receive any support from fathers," she added.

Monika, a trans woman, said that it is very difficult to find homes and jobs. "We either have to beg or get into sex work. We are asked to move away after living in an area for some time. It gets very hard to have proper documentation like voter ID cards. Even availing government schemes is hard as it requires a lot of documents," she added.

Akkai Padmashali stressed that the government should take up sensitivity training for officers and employees so that they can deal with sensitive issues in the proper manner. "We have to mainstream sex workers and sexual minorities. If there is no government policy, there will be no mainstreaming," she stressed.