Atika Sayeed, TwoCircles.net
“Vaishya aur ba-ismat aurat ka muqaabla hargiz-hargiz nahi karna chahiye. In dono ka muqabla ho hi nahi sakta. Vaishya khud kamaati hai aur ba-ismat aurat ke paas kamaa kar laane waale kaee maujood hote hain.”
(One should never compare a prostitute and a chaste woman. These two cannot be compared at all. A prostitute earns a living on her own, while there are many who earn for a chaste woman.)
— Saadat Hassan Manto
Kolkata, steeped in rich culture, is however encrusted with a dark shadow in its vibrant tapestry — the plight of its sex workers. As the political landscape now changes so does the nature and challenges that lie ahead for these marginalised souls in society. Understanding Kolkata’s historical context and the present struggles faced by its sex workers uncovers a narrative of systemic neglect and exploitation.
The history of sex work in Kolkata can be traced back to the colonial era — when the city was called Calcutta. During the era of British rule, the city became the center of commerce and industrialization and hence attracted traders, sailors and colonial administrators. This led to a rise in people, and this boosted the demand for different services, which included sex work.
The infamous Sonagachi district came up as a red-light area and became one of the largest in Asia. Generations of women, some trafficked or from abject poverty, have been ensnared in this profession, thereby leaving a trail of exploitation and marginalization. The socio-economic situation has changed in the past years, but the condition of sex workers has still remained worse.
The legal acknowledgment of sex work in India could not stop the stigma and discrimination that these people are constantly subjected to, hence they remain on the outskirts of society. Many sex workers in Kolkata emerge from poor backgrounds, forced into the profession either by lack of education, economic opportunities or societal pressures.
Life for sex workers in the West Bengal city has been marked by enduring challenges: poverty, limited access to healthcare and education and increased vulnerability to violence and disease. Irrespective of the statutory grey areas in which they operate, they have lacked formal protections and social security benefits.
Despite these challenges, there have been notable grassroots movements championed by sex workers themselves. Organizations like the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee have gone to length in advocating for stigmatization, preventing HIV/AIDS and gaining increased healthcare access. Although they have emerged as an emancipation for sex workers and increased the resource base, systemic challenges persist.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has left them in a situation that was more precarious for them than ever. Lockdowns and restrictions crippled their livelihoods, sending many of them into deeper poverty. As the brothels were shut and mobility was restricted, these women became more prone to exploitation and violence.
There are still many sex workers in Kolkata who suffer from various types of ill health related to their work. Lack of quality access to healthcare services has been the cause. Most healthcare facilities decline to treat sex workers due to stigma, leaving them vulnerable to diseases without treatment.
Again, lack of awareness and sex education programs adds to their health risks. With the absence of knowledge about how to maintain hygiene and other means of prevention, they are left at the mercy of the exploiting clients and middle persons.
In an election year, politicians often rhetorically commit themselves to women’s issues, which include the rights of sex workers. However, seldom do their promises lead to practical implementation. While political speeches often highlight sex workers’ plight, practical policy changes rarely occur to support them.
Entering into the lanes of Watgunj, Khidderpore
I opted to explore lesser-discussed red-light areas in Kolkata, namely Khidderpore and Bowbazar. Despite being bustling parts of the city, they seemed neglected, resembling more of a basti (village).
Upon entering Watgunj in Khidderpore, I felt uneasy under the scrutinizing stares of the men there. Doubt crept in, questioning the wisdom of my decision, and fear gripped me. The discomfort was so overwhelming that I entertained the thought of retreating immediately.
However, despite initial struggles and feelings of despair, I remained determined to shed light on women’s issues in the area. Approaching women for conversations proved challenging initially, as they often declined. It seemed like a dead end until I finally encountered Foreedun after an exhaustive search lasting over an hour.
The 57-year-old widow sex worker shared her experience of being in a particular place for more than 33 years. At the age of 24, she was married and brought to this location from another red-light area. Initially, she had hoped that she would not have to continue working in the same profession, but due to financial constraints and poverty, she was compelled to continue her work against her will.
For her, having worked in the profession for nearly 40 years feels like a profound and sorrowful event. She expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, highlighting a recurring pattern of empty promises from the government.
During the conversation, she emotionally expressed, “We have managed to get by in our lives, but we do not want our children to endure the same fate. However, your supposedly educated society has neither embraced me nor my children. Do you believe this is fair?”
Continuing to speak, she opened up about her interactions with customers, expressing that their earnings are limited since the rates charged to customers remain relatively constant. They charge Rs 200 per hour for their services, occasionally getting more if the customer is happy, but they also work in a factory making paper bags, which earns them Rs 350-400 daily, albeit seasonally.
She reflected on the challenging times during the Covid pandemic when maintaining distance from customers plunged them into severe poverty. With no work available for sex workers, they experienced profound sadness and discontent.
By the end of the third phase of the pandemic, it felt as though they were facing death. Sex workers struggled with depression and anxiety regarding their income and sustenance.
When I inquired about the government-provided ration, she responded, “Merely receiving ration is not sufficient for sustaining a livelihood as life encompasses much more. As older women, we lack the knowledge to use mobile phones, so transitioning to online work was not feasible for us. Additionally, I lack the education to comprehend the activities of today’s generation such as sexting. As a widow and mother responsible for feeding my family, relying solely on ration for a few days does not suffice. The pandemic brought immense hardship; in my neighbor’s home, four girls succumbed to the virus and customers were apprehensive about visiting us. Yet, despite our struggles, we feel unable to voice any grievances against the government.”
My discussion with Foreedun deeply unsettled me; a woman nearly as old as my grandmother, who shared her experience living in a red-light area, her tearful eyes beseeched assistance, yet her resilience and determination, showcasing remarkable strength and resourcefulness.
I proceeded ahead and found myself in a confined courtyard located at the end of Watgunj. There, I encountered Archana Das, a 36-year-old woman adorned with a prominent maroon bindi, seated outside a room. Upon initiating conversation, she revealed that she hails from Murshidabad. At the age of 16, she was initially brought to Kolkata along with her two siblings for employment opportunities, but they ended up here.
When I inquired about the elections, her swift response was, “Elections are irrelevant to us. We are invisible to the government. Their policies cater to the locals, not to us, the randis.”
I asked once more, “Do you people not receive the facilities provided by the government?”
She responded with a hint of aggression, “Duniya humko insaan samjhegi to na dhyaan degi hum logo par, aap log to humein sirf sex karmi maante hain (if the world considers us as humans, only then it will pay attention to us. You people only consider us as sex workers).”
This reflects the lack of support not only from the government but also from the local community. They feel marginalized and overlooked, facing a double barrier in accessing assistance and understanding from both officials and the society around them. Many sex workers in the region are lacking facilities, which are available for others.
While speaking to Archana, it became evident that her daughter frequently encounters prejudice due to her career decisions, leaving them feeling marginalized. When schoolmates inquire about their parents’ professions, she hesitates to reply, sensing the judgmental looks that often follow. This dynamic casts a shadow over their educational experience, making them feel isolated and misunderstood.
In a similar vein, children of sex workers often endure similar biases and stigmatization. They face whispers and sidelong glances, and when the topic of their parents’ occupation arises, there is a palpable discomfort. This societal attitude not only affects their sense of belonging but also undermines their confidence and self-worth. These children deserve acceptance and support, free from the shadow of prejudice cast by society’s narrow-minded perceptions.
Archana emphasized the paramount importance of acknowledging the multifaceted challenges sex workers encounter daily in Kolkata. Beyond the pervasive social stigma attached to their profession, they grapple with economic, health and legal obstacles that significantly impact their lives. Access to adequate healthcare services remains a pressing issue as sex workers often find themselves lacking proper medical care despite the inherent health risks associated with their work.
The outdated legal framework governing sex work exacerbates their plight, subjecting them to further exploitation and abuse by both law enforcement and clients. Without legal protections, sex workers are left vulnerable to violence and injustice, with little recourse for seeking redress.
Archana urged policymakers to prioritize the rights and well-being of sex workers. Decriminalizing sex work, ensuring access to healthcare and social services and empowering sex workers to lead dignified lives free from stigma and discrimination should be central to the government’s agenda. Only through such measures can true justice and equality be achieved for all.
Strolling along the slender lanes of Bowbazar
When I ventured into Bowbazar’s red light district, the familiarity of the area lessened the impact compared to Khidderpore. I didn’t hesitate to engage with the women there. Among them was Roshni, a 26-year-old sex worker, who revealed she was sold by her husband. When asked why she didn’t escape, she explained, “Running away wouldn’t have solved my situation. With only a basic education and skills in household chores and knowing that people from my husband’s hometown had seen me here, I lacked the courage to leave.”
While discussing her employment opportunities, she mentions, “I engage in call-girl work following my sex work. I converse with people to help them relax.”
Upon pressing for further details, she explains that these interactions typically involve audio calls without visual or video components. Regarding pricing, she states, “It varies based on the customer. We don’t have a fixed rate. I usually charge Rs 200 for a one-hour call, but sometimes, depending on the situation, we negotiate a fee that the customer feels comfortable with.”
When asked about the communal politics in India and its impact on their lives, Roshni responded that they don’t usually observe it in their community. She stressed the importance of unity among sex workers, noting a general awareness of divisive political tactics such as ‘divide and rule.’
She also emphasized that despite any difference, they prioritize solidarity because their community is all they have, and engaging in internal conflicts would leave them with nowhere else to turn.
She said government officials never visit the area to inquire about the issues faced by sex workers. It is only the election season when leaders visit them to solicit votes.
When discussing facilities, she noted the essentials expected from government officials are lacking in provision. Instead, it’s only a handful of NGOs, which provide assistance and support, both financially and emotionally. Many sex workers engage in therapy, but only a minority experience genuine healing.
Conversely, Roshni highlighted the policies that sex workers should be entitled to. However, due to insufficient awareness, they receive little support. Many sex workers require benefits like the Lakshmi Bhandar, widow pension, and Swastha Sathi scheme, but they struggle to access such resources.
Additionally, a significant number of sex workers lack bank accounts and even Aadhar and ration cards.
She mentioned the kotha where she resides is owned by someone else. All sex workers in this kotha are required to pay rent, which amounts to approximately Rs 6000 per month for each room. The landlords are from Bihar, and since each room is roughly 100 square feet, the rent is often considered high by the sex workers.
Many of them face difficulties sending money to their children who study elsewhere due to inconsistent income. This financial instability also contributes to their feeling of insecurity.
Rising living costs are a major concern for sex workers, who struggle to manage their expenses. Roshni emphasized the need for security in terms of health, employment and education for their children.
After talking to these women, I gained insight into the challenges encountered by sex workers. What particularly struck me was their remarkable emotional resilience. As I engaged with them, I realized that many women have become emotionally desensitized to the point where they may not even be aware of it themselves.
To delve deeper into their emotional well-being, I spoke with Mahua, a psychologist specializing in therapy for sex workers and marginalized women.
Mahua, who previously worked with multiple renowned NGOs in Kolkata, shared her insights with me, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the marginalization faced by women.
She stressed before addressing governmental shortcomings, it’s crucial for individuals to cultivate empathy and acceptance towards the sex workers, without expecting them to constantly fulfill the role of caregivers or workers.
Drawing parallels to societal expectations placed on mothers, Mahua highlighted the need to acknowledge women as complete human beings, embracing both their strengths and weaknesses.
Furthermore, she pointed out the interlink between women’s numbness in certain situations and the recurring mistreatment they endure. This mistreatment, particularly evident in the way customers objectify them, contributes to their emotional detachment and reinforces their dehumanization.
Despite some legal recognition, Mahua highlighted, sex work remains largely stigmatized and socially unaccepted. She said while theoretical legalization exists, it doesn’t translate into full societal acceptance.
She believes that in the current Indian employment landscape, where opportunities are limited, sex work is not something, which comes as choice. However, she argues that until there are sufficient alternative employment options available to meet people’s needs, sex work will continue to be marginalized and unrecognized as a legitimate profession.
Mahua cited examples from foreign countries where sex work is legalized. She emphasized women in India who are forcibly engaged in this profession either do this under pressure and circumstance that has been created or due to extreme poverty, often lacking awareness of their rights as sex workers or policies related to sex trafficking. In such cases, she stressed the importance of standing by them and educating them about relevant policies.
Regarding governmental involvement, Mahua noted officials tend to distance themselves from sex workers and neglect providing them with crucial support, such as HIV/AIDS awareness and access to healthcare, including abortion services.
She criticized the focus on basic needs like food, clothing and shelter, neglecting the broader desires and aspirations of sex workers.
She asserted like anyone else, sex workers also desire freedom, relaxation and fulfillment beyond mere survival necessities, which they lack in general.
Mahua urged government officials to actively support sex workers by providing consistent assistance and not limiting their visits to election seasons.
She emphasized the importance of regular interaction with sex workers to gain a better understanding of their needs and perspectives, which can inform policymaking.
Additionally, she called for the involvement of local leaders in addressing issues related to sex work and emphasized the importance of treating sex workers with dignity and humanity, rather than as outsiders or lesser beings.