Article Title :
Beyond the Brothels: A Qualitative Study of the Destitute Female Sex Workers of Central Delhi Red Light Area
1 (2017)
26-36
Prostitution , Delhi , Sexually transmitted infections , Women , Sex workers
The term ‘sex workers’ refers to those involved in prostitution. This particular term is preferred as it does not have the derogatory, sexist connotation that the term ‘prostitute’ has. Belonging to a highly stigmatized profession with no financial and familial support forthcoming, the latter years of the lives of destitute female sex workers are spent in abject misery and poverty. Effort has been made to study the socio economic status and the ways adopted by these women, post active prostitution period, to support themselves and their families. This paper is based on the field study conducted in central Delhi red light area during August-September, 2016. Direct interviews with the respondents using questionnaires as well as participant observation techniques were used to collect the data. The study indicate that destitute female sex workers, once out of active prostitution, start working as domestic helpers, work with local voluntary organizations, or as helpers in brothels. The income earned is very meager with hardly any amount left to be saved. Most of the women live in one room rented accommodations. Their access to medical facilities was found to be extremely restricted.
Sex work has always been a stigmatised activity across the world.
The paper attempts to explore the latter age female sex workers based on primary survey in the red light area of central Delhi.
The women at latter age thrown away from the pimps and brothel system without any liability.
Almost all the respondents are poor and reported one or more communicable disease with poor health.
They have no familial and financial support and require social security and support from the government for livelihood with dignity.
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