The Hindu Business Line : Positive action

In the past three years, I have never talked to anyone other than my customers, but today we walked on the city roads without any hesitation. We greeted each other and shook hands with commoners." A sentiment echoed by 800 commercial sex workers (CSW), transgendered individuals and homosexual men who participated in a rally on Pune streets leading to Budhwar Peth, the city's infamous `red light' area on March 8 — International Women's Day.

The rally was the first of its kind organised by this group. "For me, it's a big step in the direction of women's empowerment," said Bina, a participant, amidst shouting of slogans such as `Our health is our right' and `Decision is ours, no one can force us'.

"When I entered the profession, we were subjected to many difficulties. Women had no independence, but things are moving in the right direction now... Everyone, including sex workers must voice their opinion without any fear," said Jara Bai, another participant. There are many similarities in the problems faced by women everywhere, and they must come forward to fight for their rights, she added.

Wearing colourful clothes and flowers in their hair, the participants had come from different parts of Maharashtra. Organised by NGOs such as Avahan, Pathfinder International and Vanchit Vikas, the event highlighted the problems of sex workers and their positive role in creating AIDS awareness.

"A sex workers' rally was unthinkable earlier; CSWs were even considered outcasts. But now we are trying to take the marginalised section to the mainstream and help these women become assertive," says Alkesh Wadhwani, Deputy Director - Avahan, an NGO funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The sex workers are part of Mukta — a project implemented by Pathfinder International, a non-profit organisation in Pune metropolitan area and 10 other districts of Maharashtra. The project aims to control the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS among sex workers and their clients.

"March 8 is the celebration of the efforts of `Mukta' members in fighting STI/HIV/AIDS," says Michele Andina, Project Director, Pathfinder International. Sporting dupattas and carrying banners with powerful messages on HIV prevention, these sex workers aged 18-65 shouted slogans like `We decide', `Stay away from HIV', `Condom usage is a must,' etc.

Peer educators

About 150 peer educators were also felicitated for their tireless efforts in creating AIDS awareness in Maharashtra. There are over five lakh HIV-positive people in the State. "Peer educators are delivering important health messages to the community about STIs, HIV/AIDS and condoms. We see this as an opportunity to appreciate their efforts and encourage them to continue their work," says Meena Kurlekar, Project Director of Vanchit Vikas Clinic.

"After years of being treated as an outcast, I am part of a larger collective today," says Manisha, a peer educator who was honoured at the event. "We need to close ranks and penetrate deep into the community with messages of HIV prevention. It is here that peer educators play a valuable role in motivating behaviour change," says Shakuntala, Secretary of PHO Saheli.

Some of these CSWs are HIV positive, and they have already chalked out a roadmap for the future. One of them, Mary D'Souza, who runs a community kitchen, says HIV-positive CSWs have taken up tasks like running day-care centres, community kitchens or making garlands.

Mary (30), who hails from Goa, has been in the chawls since the age of 16. Living life on her own terms today, Mary does not allow her HIV status to dampen her spirits.

Yashodhra and Sulochana too have donned the role of peer educators. "I was only 13 when my husband dumped me here 30 years ago. But I left it all when I decided to work for the AIDS campaign. I don't earn much but at least I have mental strength now," says 45-year-old Yashodhra. "They are true women of substance. Today they feel they have more control over their health, attitudes and lives. They are leading exemplary lives, trying to work under adverse circumstances," says Andina of Pathfinder International.

Looking at the broader issues and urging the Government to mainstream the issues of marginalised women, Satyabhama Thackeray, a 64-year-old peer educator from Nasik, demands "fixed salary" for the ageing sex workers, apart from ration cards and voting cards. "It's a short-lived profession. No one comes to us when we are old. In our prime, we spend our earnings on our children and families, and when we age, no one cares for us. The Government should consider giving us a fixed salary." On the other hand, male sex workers demand legislation for legalising gay marriages and job reservations. "As individuals, don't we have the right to choose our life partner? It's ultimately a matter of who you are happy with — a girl or a guy. People should stop behaving as if we have sinned," says Sanjay, a male sex worker from Kolhapur, currently pursuing his Masters in Marathi language.

Picture by Shanker Chakravarty