The Scheduled Caste (SC) Commission of India undertook a visit to Mysore to better understand the challenges faced by Dalit sex workers through a partnership with the local community organisation, Ashodaya Samithi.
Founded in 2004, Ashodaya Samithi is a sex worker-led organisation that supports approximately 12,000 sex workers in the districts of Mysore, Mandya, Kodagu, and Chikmagalur. Many of these sex workers come from small villages and migrate to urban areas for work, with local leaders maintaining constant contact with them.
The organisation’s initial focus was to prevent HIV among sex workers, successfully reducing infection rates from 25 per cent in 2004 to less than 1 per cent in 2024. Notably, nearly 50 per cent of Ashodaya’s members are Dalit sex workers, who face compounded stigma and discrimination due to their status, especially if they are HIV positive.
On October 18, the Commission engaged with a SC sex worker at her home to discuss her life experiences and the difficulties faced by women from both Scheduled Castes and the sex work community. Several key issues were raised during the conversation:
Lack of Documentation: Many women lacked essential documentation, including ration and health cards. While most had obtained Aadhaar cards, accessing schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Grihalakshmi remained a significant challenge.
- Financial Burden of HIV: Although they can access medication from government hospitals, the financial burden associated with living with HIV keeps many women in a state of constant poverty.
- Educational Expenses: The children of sex workers attend school, but costs related to education, particularly for boarding schools, pose significant challenges for families.
- Need for Vocational Skills: Many of the aging sex workers expressed the importance of acquiring vocational skills to secure supplementary livelihoods as they grow older.
- Challenges with Law Enforcement: Despite a Supreme Court ruling aimed at protecting their rights, many women reported ongoing difficulties with police and authorities, creating an atmosphere of fear.
- Resource Limitations: Although Ashodaya Samithi serves as a vital support system for these women, it faces significant resource challenges that limit its ability to offer comprehensive assistance.
The Chairman of the SC Commission, deeply engaged in the discussions, expressed keen interest in the issues raised. He spoke with Ashodaya leaders for over an hour and underscored the need for support to enhance the social standing of Dalit sex workers and ensure they receive the benefits outlined by the government.
On October 19, 2024, a significant Sammelan was held in Mysore, drawing approximately 800 Dalit sex workers to a venue for a function featuring Mr. Kishor Makwana, Chairperson of the SC Commission. The event began early in the morning, with attendees arriving by 8 a.m., and the meeting commenced at 11:30 a.m. In addition to the Chairman, Ms. Lakshmi, the Program Director of Ashodaya, and Dr. Sundar Sundararaman, Advisor to Ashodaya Samithi, were also present on stage. Simultaneous translation between Hindi and Kannada was provided to ensure all participants could understand the proceedings.
In his address, the Chairman detailed what he had witnessed and heard during his visit, emphasising the importance of creating a connection between the women and district authorities for obtaining their basic entitlements within six months. He expressed his distress over the challenges faced by Dalit women and highlighted that the Prime Minister had rolled out several schemes aimed at uplifting marginalised communities, insisting that SC women should not be left behind.
He urged that district authorities should be present at Ashodaya offices to assist with the fulfillment of applications and entitlements, making it easier for women to access necessary services. The Chairman also acknowledged the need for skills training, enterprise development, and equitable access to healthcare.
The gathering was met with immense satisfaction from the attendees, who were eager to follow through with the authorities. Plans were made to establish a single-window facilitation desk at Ashodaya, where government officials would come three days a week to assist women in obtaining essential cards and services.
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