The Hindu : A `trade' out of compulsion?

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 25, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

A `trade' out of compulsion?

By Our Staff Reporter

WARANGAL MARCH 24. In the villages of Hasanparthy, Vangapahad and Siddhapur, which are considered red light areas of the district, for most of the women who have chosen flesh trade it has come as a hereditary vocation and for others, it is a compulsion.

In a study conducted by the Centre for Women Studies, Kakatiya University, it was revealed that about 80 per cent of sex workers took up the trade as it had been there in their families for decades. A few women who constitute 2 to 3 per cent had been forced into the trade following the death of their husbands or deserted by their families and by other factors.

In a startling revelation, it is found that about 90 per cent of girls practising the trade have voluntarily entered the profession. A great majority of them are driven by the difficulties in the families and problems in getting married owing to bad financial position.

On an average, each worker makes Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 per day. Though they feel comfortable in all respects, these sex workers stand nowhere on any front - socially and economically. A major portion of the income goes to cosmetics while a little is spent on day-to-day needs. However, there are exceptions with some owning concrete buildings.

Despite warnings about health and welfare schemes, these sex workers refuse to give up as they realise that society cannot accept them as it does with others.

"In spite of changing times and irrespective of the income level of the sex workers, they are not treated on a par with others by society. They do not have representation in any field,'' explained the director, Centre for Women Studies, V. Shobha.

The study found some interesting issues such as increased awareness about AIDS. Now, the workers have been demanding use of condoms by customers. Surprisingly, the widespread campaign on the AIDS notwithstanding, not a single health centre is functioning in any of these villages.

The study has recommended counselling and health centres for sex workers. Having found the lives of those who crossed 30 years as pitiable, the Government was urged to motivate the girls to give up the flesh trade by sanctioning bank loans under self-employment schemes.

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