Sex workers denied a chance to switch professions, says NGO official

Bengaluru: A recent panel discussion in the city shed light on the pressing issues faced by sex workers, including societal stigmatisation, financial struggles, and pervasive stereotypes.

The event also raised questions about the systemic barriers sex workers encounter in their daily lives and their demands for policy changes to improve their conditions.

The discussion was part of the launch for 'At the Threshold', a booklet chronicling the life of a sex worker. Organised by the Solidarity Foundation, the event featured a panel that included Elavarthi Manohar, founder of Sangam; Madhu Bhushan, founder of the Gamana Women’s Collective; and Bharati and Prabhavati from the Solidarity Foundation.

Sharing his thoughts, Manohar said, “Sex workers often feel ashamed to disclose their profession due to the negative attitudes they face from society.”

Bharati added, “When people discover someone is a sex worker, they avoid making eye contact and treat them as though they have no value.”

Responding to a question that was asked about the common narratives we generally hear about sex work and how these compare to the reality of sex workers' lives, Madhu Bhushan, a women's rights activist from the Gamana Mahila Samuha spoke about the old question that continues to be posed to the women-Why can't you find a more 'respectable' way to earn a living.

"The fact, as shown through studies that have been done by sex worker’s collectives, is that before getting into sex work most women have tried working in at least two to four 'respectable' jobs like domestic work and the garment industry where they have been economically and sexually abused and exploited. And are unable to earn enough to sustain their families. They therefore opt for this profession however 'disrespectful' it may seem to those in the mainstream for it does enable them to sustain themselves and their families."

Prabhavati discussed the financial hardships faced by sex workers after the age of 45, often leaving them dependent on their children.

The panellists stressed on the urgent need for policies providing financial support and housing schemes for sex workers.

Booklet released 

The booklet 'At the Threshold' features powerful illustrations depicting key moments in a sex worker’s life, from her childhood and marriage to her entry into sex work.

It also highlights her involvement in an HIV prevention programme and eventual emergence as an organisational leader.

The booklet, available in both English and Kannada, was released by poet and journalist Pratibha Nandakumar, media entrepreneur Vasanthi Hariprakash, and Vijayashanti Murthy, Assistant Professor, Department of English, St Joseph’s College of Commerce.