The world of sex workers is often like a dark pit, where poor girls land up but without hope of turning back. The Supreme Court of India has now come up with a directive, asking state governments to come up with training and vocational programs for the rehabilitation of sex workers who want to leave the profession. The apex court has also asked for the participation of youngsters in drafting the rehabilitation policies.
While activists working for the cause are giving thumbs up to the idea, they are also demanding comprehensive policies rather than superficial measures. Khairati Lal Bhola, founder, Bhartiya Patita Uddhar Sabha, has written a letter to the judges looking at the case.
“We should begin with a proper survey to establish the numbers of sex workers and their children. The survey should be done by an independent committee in association with NGOs working for the cause. Also, there should be no police interference during the rehabilitation works to avoid harassment. However, the only role of police should be of protection,” he says.
The best way of rehabilitating sex workers, according to Bhola, who has been working for the cause for 40 years, is to provide them with lucrative offers to quit the profession they were forced to take.
Also, sex workers express hope that if they are properly rehabilitated, their next generation will definitely not follow them and will prefer to come out of this trade. Nasreen Begum, 40, a former sex worker has taken up the job with the NGO. Nasreen, who sends her three children to school, says a lot has been said but little delivered by the government.
“Many of my young friends want to quit the profession and are keen on a better future for their kids, but are helpless as they don’t see a way out,” she says. “There is no place for us in the big world outside the red light areas. Who will accept us there?” says Sheila, a sex worker.
“Along with monetary benefits for those who want to leave the trade, we also need to conduct workshops for those who are lured by the money, and are in turn exploited,” says Sana Shah, a sociology student.