The way back home had never seemed so far away.
Kakoli Das* was 16 years old when she arrived in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, India. After her father suffered a severe accident that left him without legs, young Kakoli was determined to find a job to support her struggling family back home. However, a series of unfortunate events and encounters with individuals with bad intentions soon pushed her onto a path from which there was no return: prostitution.
Sold into sex work in Sonagachi, one of the largest red-light districts in Asia, the way back home had never seemed so far away. Brothel owners and pimps responded to any escape attempts with violence, and those who did manage to flee were often assaulted on the streets. Young Kakoli was trapped and she feared that this would be her fate for the rest of her life.
More information about Kakoli's story can be found here.
Bird's eye view of Sonagachi, one of the largest red-light districts in Asia
Unfortunately, stories like this are all too common for many girls and women in India. As of 2021, the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) reports that there are 800,000 female sex workers across the country, where nearly 6,000 of them have been subjected to extreme physical violence according to the National Crimes Records Bureau Report.
"Brothel owners and pimps responded to any escape attempts with violence, and those (sex workers) who did manage to flee were often assaulted on the streets."
For a number of them, like Kakoli, they had been forced into prostitution by sex traffickers, who usually target young, vulnerable girls from poor backgrounds with little to no education. Some are even married off to individuals who pretend to be caring suitors, only to later sell them into a brothel. This was the origin story of Gangubai Kathiawadi, a social activist who advocated for the rights of sex workers, and whose life was later adapted into a Bhansali film starring Alia Bhatt. Once a girl or woman enters sex work, returning to her home village can be extremely challenging due to the stigma and marginalization she may face.
Movie poster of Gangubai Kathiawadi
"There are 800,000 female sex workers across the country, where nearly 6,000 of them have been subjected to extreme physical violence."
Many others, on the other hand, whose grandmothers and mothers worked in the sex industry, are conditioned to also follow in their footsteps, influenced by India's caste system and social stratification. For these marginalized women, such as those from the Perna caste, it is not unusual to enter the sex trade after they've married and had children. They're often pimped out by their husbands and in-laws, and are the sole breadwinners of their household. For example, Sita,* a Perna woman who lives in the outskirts of Delhi, stated that it was no secret that she sold sex on the highways while her husband lived off her earnings. She was expected to adhere to a difficult, intergenerational tradition and still continue her wife/mother duties.
"Once a girl or woman enters sex work, returning to her home village can be extremely challenging due to the stigma and marginalization she may face."
Additionally, there are women who voluntarily join the industry, as means of helping their families or salvaging some degree of independence. For example, a survey conducted by academics at Pune University found that 70% of sex workers across 14 Indian states chose to enter the industry voluntarily. Among these individuals, 65% came from impoverished backgrounds, and 60% were from rural areas. Despite the severe mistreatment they face, many female sex workers continue to stay in the industry due to a lack of alternative job opportunities. They often use their earnings to support their families and pay off debts. For more information on why women turn to sex work as a means of survival, watch the this DW Documentary video, which delves into this complex and difficult decision. Although a number of female sex workers choose this profession voluntarily, their decision is influenced by a range of factors that limit their true freedom of choice.
"Many others, on the other hand, whose grandmothers and mothers worked in the sex industry, are conditioned to also follow in their footsteps, influenced by India's caste system and social stratification."
Though the Indian Government has banned several sex work activities like brothel keeping, solicitation, and sex trafficking under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) of 1956, it has not declared prostitution as illegal. While some argue that women should have the autonomy to make decisions about their own bodies and view the sex industry as a professional avenue for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, others contend that prostitution should be banned due to ethical, cultural, and health concerns.
The hazardous living and health conditions of female sex workers in India
"Although a number of female sex workers choose this profession voluntarily, their decision is influenced by a range of factors that limit their true freedom of choice."
In India, female sex workers face harsh living conditions and significant abuse from pimps and clients, which jeopardizes both their physical and mental wellbeing. They are also at a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human papillomavirus (HPV). Access to healthcare is further compromised by widespread discrimination in the public healthcare system, making it challenging for these women to receive the medical care they need.
There are numerous organizations and NGOs actively working to rescue women who have been coerced into prostitution. One notable example is Odanadi, a non-profit organization in Mysuru, Karnataka dedicated to preventing and rescuing girls and women from sex work. They also offer educational and awareness programs to support their mission.
When visiting Odanadi, one would first notice the warm, golden light that fills its spaces, and then the amount of care and dedication the organization puts into its mission. They work tirelessly to build a better future for those they rescue, helping many women achieve their dreams of becoming beauticians or bakers and gain financial independence. It’s a tough job, but the rewards are definitely worth the effort.
Visit to Odanadi
Addressing the issue of female sex work in India is crucial for fostering a more equitable society. Through these women's challenges and the stigmatization that they face, one can gain a better understanding of the socio-economic and legal dynamics at play. By shedding light on sex work, India as a whole can challenge entrenched stereotypes, advocate for the rights and dignity of sex workers, and prevent non-consensual prostitution.
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