Chennai

What is the main objective of the ICWO? 

Our primary aim is on health. We want to make sure the sex workers are safe. We, with the help of community based organizations hold workshops and classes for sex workers in which they’re taught about their rights, safety precautions and given a roof to live under. It is also a platform to express themselves liberally without fear of repression. 

What is the need of the hour? 

One of the biggest problems sex workers have to deal with is harassment – be it from the police, their clients or even the general public. The government must ensure that the rights of sex workers are protected. They also need to be given free medical assistance and psychological support. 

How has the stigma towards sex workers changed? 

Although there’s nothing to cheer about, there has been a gradual change in how a sex worker is perceived in the society. But it’s not a few hundred people we’re talking about. Tamil Nadu has as many as 90,000 sex workers. Chennai alone has 6,300 female and 1000 male sex workers. So real change will come only when we start to acknowledge them as regular people and sex work as any other profession. This will eventually allow them to come out and lead dignified lives entitled to rights and choices like everyone else.

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