Karnataka - Bangalore

‘Give us a chance to live’

Bangalore: “We have become sex workers under duress and because of circumstances. We are also human beings; please give us a chance to live.” This was a confession and a fervent plea made by Shobha Ratna, coordinator of Swathi Spoorthi, here on Monday.

She was speaking at the launch of “Spoorthi Jagruthi”, a monthlong campaign under project “Baduku” to reduce the stigma and discrimination against HIV infected people.

Ms. Ratna narrated how it had become inevitable for her to adopt the profession after her husband threw her out of the house when she was six months pregnant.

“From then six years ago till now, I have faced harassment and discrimination at every step, including the police station and hospital,” she said.

The campaign has been taken up by several community-based organisations including Swathi Mahila Sangha, Jyothi Mahlia Sangha and Vijaya Mahila Sangha along with Swasthi and Bhoruka Charitable Trust. Project “Baduku”, which is funded by the World Bank, was launched with a signature campaign.

P. Saroja, president of the Karnataka Network for Positive People, said the situation of positive women in society was deteriorating day by day. “It starts right from the health centre, where they are either not treated with dignity, or denied treatment. Their children are denied admissions in schools. Even policemen refuse complaints registered by positive people. Why this discrimination when every citizen has a right to live life with dignity,” she wanted to know.

President of Swathi Mahila Sangha Pusphalatha R., managing director of Swasthi N. Shivakumar and president of the National Network for Equity and Equality Geeta Devi spoke.

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