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Prostitution
is one of the oldest
professions of the world, practiced since the birth of an organized
society. Society however has since changed its attitude and approach
towards sex workers. The government of India as a signatory to the U.N.
Convention is committed to the abolition of antiquated and unjust laws
and regulations that further marginalize women in prostitution.
However, without the political will and society’s support
these laws will remain on paper alone.
Trafficking in women and
girls is done in an organized commercial way for the benefit of a third
person who may be either a man or woman. Although brothels are run on a
commercial basis, there is no law to guarantee the workers a minimum
income and decent conditions of work. Exploitation by the clients
continues unabated. The law prohibits commercialized prostitution and
therefore, it logically follows that the state does not feel the need
for a law for regulating relationships in a brothel. Inmates are given
a meager share of the earnings gained and all they get in return is
their maintenance. There is no special security scheme and after the
woman has ceased to be a source of profit, she is left on the streets
with her meager resources.
The children of women in
prostitution are the most vulnerable. Due to lack of awareness and the
ignorance of alternatives as a means of livelihood, the children enter
the profession at a very young age unaware of the exploitation,
violence and abuse they will have to face. Many of them have been
forced into the profession at a very tender age, their voices of
protest often remaining unheard.
The advent of HIV infection
has led to a paranoia, which unfortunately has accelerated child
prostitution. There is also a myth that sexual intercourse with a
virgin leads to cure of STDs/AIDS. The process of
“conscientisation” is to raise the sex
worker’s awareness towards protecting herself from
exploitation and uphold her rights as a human being as also the rights
of her child. No mother, being a victim of circumstances herself would
want the same for her child. But, often, she is ignorant about options
and the child is left with no alternative.
CCDT believes that the
children are the future of our world and they have a right to a healthy
and happy childhood. Project ANKUR was designed to have a planned
program of development for these children. Project ANKUR-ASMITA is
especially for the daughters (6-14 years of age) of the sex workers of
Kamathipura and Worli. Kishori Vatika CCDT’s Night Shelter
for the girls is supported by FHI-USAID.
It needs to be understood
that the brothel and pavement prostitution exposes the child to the
grim realities and the dynamics of prostitution of a marginalized
community very early in life. Helping the child share his experiences
and comprehending the situation is a task that requires professional
skills. A social worker and child counselor can attend to the
psychological development of the child. Children are often abused and
feel insecure in an environment that has been cruel to them.
“Institutionalization” of children in boarding
schools, away from their environment appears to be a viable alternative.
However, not all children
can be institutionalized due to various reasons. A non-formal education
programme at the day care center provides motivation for the child to
enter mainstream education programmes. The children are referred to
local schools. Vocational guidance and skill training are imparted to
children who cannot cope with the formal educational system.
Opportunities to develop other skills are provided with professional
guidance. Most of the children have never been out of the area.
Exposure programmes to life in the city, educational tours to the
museums, zoos, other schools etc… help them grow. Education
on the rights of the child and issues affecting them are taken up.
Empowerment mechanisms to protect them from physical and sexual abuse
are to be established.
A high protein diet through
3 meals is provided for the children at the ANKUR day care center. The
health status of the child is monitored and promotion of personal
hygiene and care for one’s environment are addressed through
the child-to-child programme. Bathing and caring for oneself is part of
the programme. The children will be taught to care for their mothers.
The day care center is open
to children between the age groups 3-8 years. The night shelter is for
girls (of mothers in prostitution) 6-14 years of age at risk. At
present we have over 50 girls in the night shelter and 70 children in
the day-care center.
Mother-child bonding is
encouraged as it plays an important role in building up emotional
stability in the children that will hold in good stead for the future.
The growth and development of the child depend on the interest and care
of the mothers.
It must be noted that sex
workers are engaged in the sex industry and they too have rights that
need to be upheld. Ignorance and lack of awareness are often the cause
of their predicament. As victims of circumstances they need to be made
aware about their rights as human beings and empowered to fight against
exploitation whether it is the brothel owner or the client.
A sex profession has serious
health implications. Hence minimal health care and referral services
will be used as an entry point. Further, medical and psychological
counseling through interpersonal contact as well as group meetings are
essential. Regular health education and family life education are be
imparted in the centre/community.
Motivating the sex worker to pursue an alternative profession by
supporting skills training is an important component of the project.
This will be supported by measures to build self-esteem and confidence
without being judgmental in the messages imparted. Solving problems
that the sex workers face is a major step in building rapport and
trust. A nutrition package is provided to those who are seriously ill
requiring special nutrition.
The youth club provides an
alternative for the youth to give vent to their energies
constructively. Games, vocational guidance, basic literacy and skills
development are initial activities that the club provides. The youth
are motivated to participate fully in the project and take on other
activities like community education, health awareness, etc. The Kishori
Vatika, Night Shelter brochure attached for relevant information.
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