Bangalore, 28 Feb: Sex workers’ Self Respect Journey

[Guest guest]

National Network of Sex Workers – South India

(a network of sex workers’ and support organizations)

13 royal park apts., 34 park road, tasker town, bangalore–51,

ph: 22868680/5123913*

Sex workers’ Self Respect Journey, 28th February, 2006 (Tuesday)

10 AM PUBLIC RALLY from Chikka Lalbagh (Majestic) to Malleshwaram Ground

2 PM PUBLIC MEETING at Malleshwaram Ground, Bangalore

We, women/hijra/men sex workers are observing the International Sex

Workers’ Day on 28th February 2006 by holding a mega rally and a public meeting

in Bangalore. A large number of us from all over Karnataka are joining together

to draw attention to the violence, oppression and injustice towards us.

Sex work, is universally recognized as one of the oldest profession. In India,

sex workers prior to the advent of the British rule were treated with respect

and social acceptance. British colonial rulers not only framed laws that

discriminated against our people but also marginalized us.

We constantly face severe police violence, goonda violence and extreme social

rejection. This growing intolerance and harassment is an everyday reality

whether you are a heterosexual couple in Meerut or a homosexual/bisexual man in

Lucknow or a bar girl in Mumbai and Bangalore.

Hounded by the goondas and constantly harassed by the police, we are in danger

of not only getting marginalized but also becoming far more vulnerable to

HIV/AIDS. As we are forced to run from street to street, adopting safer sex

practices, accessing health care services or even using condoms becomes almost

impossible in spite of our best efforts to save our lives. As a large part of

our earnings go to police, goondas and the Government (as court fines), we are

forced to work long hours and serve more clients. Constantly we are made to

compromise with everyone because of the fear of being foisted with false cases,

insulted and humiliated in public and denied even basic dignity and respect

The Immoral Traffic Prevention Act (ITPA) crminalises most aspects of our work

by equating us with traffickers. Trafficking - the business of forcing children

and adults against their will into various forms of work including sex work, is

totally unacceptable to us. To make matters worse the Central Government (Union

Cabinet) has decided to amend the ITPA to punish our clients with a maximum of

six months in jail and Rs. 50,000/- penalty. This state repression denies us our

basic right for survival and livelihood. In a democracy, the government must

duly consult all concerned and affected people before amending any law. We

demand that the Union Government consult us immediately and to keep the spirit

of democracy alive.

Too long, we have been mute spectators. We decided to break this

silence. We have been forming our own organisations, strengthening our

communities, engaging with the society at large and supporting

Governmental efforts in combating HIV/AIDS. We have been extending

solidarity and support to the struggles of various marginalized people including

women, dalits, adivasis, minorities, the poor, workers and others.

We will not stop till we achieve equality and justice

Sex workers rights are workers Rights

Nothing about us, without us

Our body is our right; we determine our destiny

Come; join us, lets build a peaceful, just and equal society

Suraksha Bangalore

E-mail: <sangama@...>