Report on Assessment of Sex Workers in Manipur

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum members,

In our endeavour to fight different issues pertaining to the HIV/AIDS pandemic,

Population Health Institute (PHI), Imphal has undertaken a study called,

“Assessment of Situation and Response on SWs in Manipur, 2005” from February to

December 2005 in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Guwahati and a

number of organisations/individuals who are spearheading the response against

HIV/AIDS in the state of Manipur.

A draft research method was developed which could look into different aspects of

vulnerability to HIV among SWs, social context, service delivery system and

accessibility. Tools used in the study were of gathering both qualitative and

quantitative data and they were duly standardised. The tools included

questionnaire interview, in-depth interview, focus group discussion,

observation, mapping and case study. Quantitative data were collected using the

standardised questionnaires and qualitative data were collected through in-depth

interview, observation, mapping and focus group discussion. The qualitative and

quantitative data were triangulated and compiled into a draft report.

A one day dissemination workshop was held on the 23rd of December 2005 to

discuss the findings of the Assessment at Hotel Nirmala, Imphal. The sharing and

inputs in the workshop was incorporated in the report of the assessment.

On 1st of April, 2006, Population Health Institute (PHI), Imphal and Department

of Anthropology, Manipur University organized a day long consultation to mark

the release of the final report.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. N. Joykumar, Dean of Social Sciences, Manipur

University, who released the report stated “Sex workers are a part of our social

system and their issues need to be understood to build an effective response.

Against the backdrop of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, NGOs and Government agencies can

look at how to spread awareness, build capacity, Improve negotiating skills etc.

amongst women in sex work.” He further expressed that any agency can now use

this report as a benchmark study while designing programs for the CSWs.

Dr. Lenin of Department of Psychiatry, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences

while explaining about the book and the world of commercial sex workers

expressed that the study is a scientific document and based on this, concerted

response by the government and the non govt. organizations has to be initiated

in the state.

Rev. Fr. MC , Director, Don Bosco Society, pointed out that the study is a

pathfinder and a courageous initiative keeping in mind the traditional society

of Manipur. While congratulating PHI and Manipur University he pointed out that

concrete and fruitful intervention needs to be undertaken on the ground. He also

stressed on the need to involve wider section of the society and support from

premier institutes like Manipur University. He informed that Don Bosco will be

willing to help out in all possible manners while addressing the various issues

related to CSWs.

Mr. Deepak, President, Manipur Network of Positive people (MNP+) compared the

situation of CSWs today with what PLHA faced during the early 90s in the state.

He was optimistic that movement of CSWs for addressing their own issues will

become a reality in the days to come.

Calling for more services for sex workers, L. Birendrajit, General Secretary,

Social Awareness Service Organization (SASO) said: “We have long been in the

field of Harm reduction for drug users and have realized that sex workers too

need to be addressed. The dynamics between sex work and drug use are a concern

since both the groups are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. This assessment has provided

crucial data for groups working with sex workers.”

The final report of the assessment was published at the Conference Hall,

Department of Anthropology, Manipur University on 1st April 2006, organised

jointly by Population Health Institute and Department of Anthropology, Manipur

University.

The report has detailed information about:

1. Introduction: Topography and demography, Socio-economic profile of Manipur,

Political situation, Women in Manipur, ‘Route’ of drug trafficking to a

‘consumer state’ and HIV/AIDS, Working definition of ‘sex worker’ used in the

assessment

2. Rationale of the assessment

3. The Research Methods: Rationale of using assessment of situation and

response, The research, methods and standardisation, Sampling Frame

4. Data Collection: Mapping, Individual interviews, Focus group discussion,

In-depth interviews, Case studies, Data entry and analysis

5. The Findings: Situation: Hot spots and site wise estimation,

Socio-demographic characteristics of the sample, types of CSWs and their mode of

operation in Manipur, The pimps, The clients, Health problems and health seeking

behaviour, Knowledge on HIV/AIDS/STI, Attitude towards HIV/AIDS/STI and

commercial sex work, Sexual behaviour, Factors that influence women to enter

commercial sex work, Issue of leaving occupation of commercial sex work,

Children of CSWs

6. The Findings: Response: Response of the Government, Response of the General

Community, Response of the Media

7. Issue of trafficking of girls and women for sexual exploitation

8. Discussion: Why these women become CSWs? What do they want and what we can do

about it? Health status of CSWs, Knowledge, attitude and behaviour, Mode of

operation and the response

9. Recommendations

Annexures include

1. List of the key informants

2. Interview Guide

3. Interview Schedule

4. Checklist for focus group discussion

The findings are supported by numerous Tables containing quantitative data on

variables including:

1. Distribution of sample

2. Estimated number of CSWs in 21 sites in the project area

3. Socio-demographic characteristics of SWs in Manipur

4. Details about the clients

5. Symptoms of HIV/AIDS/STI

6. Health seeking behaviour

7. Issue of abortion

8. Sero-status of HIV among the SWs

9. Knowledge on HIV/AIDS/STI among the SWs

10. Details about sexual practices

11. Issue of rape

12. Issue of condom use

13. Initiation sex work

14. Who and how influenced into sex work

15. Why want to leave sex work

16. Children of SWs

17. Issue of harassment

The report is also supplemented with peculiar case studies including issues

around:

1. Male sex worker, Entering into commercial sex work

2. Harassment

3. Trafficking

4. Vulnerability of landless rural woman to commercial sex work

The report also contains numerous pictures.

The hard copy/ies of the report with a CD can be had by visiting the office of

the Population Health Institute (PHI) in the following address between 10 AM to

4 PM on weekdays or please contact us through <phi_manipur@...>

Best regards,

M.

Joint Secretary

Population Health Institute (PHI)

First Floor, Arena Multi-media Building

Nambam Chuthek, Nongmeibung

Imphal East, Manipur

INDIA

Pin -795001

e-MAIL: <phi_manipur@...>