Life is a struggle for sex workers

BANGALORE: The representatives of People Living with HIV, Women in Sex Work and Sexual Minorities submitted recommendations on the draft approach plan for the upcoming 12th five-year plan.Representatives of the organisation shared that the Planning Commission gave an opportunity at the Civil Society window initiative for the members of socially marginalized groups last November and Sayeda Hameed, a member of Planning Commission, interacted with community representatives in Delhi and subsequently recommendations were sent to the Planning Commission.“The representatives of communities of People Living with HIV (PLHA), Women in Sex Work (SW) and Sexuality Minorities (SM) consulted and made recommendations in Bangalore which included provision of giving ID cards and other social entitlements. The method of delivery too is insensitive, as it causes more damage to people fearing stigma,” said Shobha Ratna, Swathi Mahila Sangha.Sex workers do not get pension, have no ID cards, ration cards, and have to struggle for housing. Women in sex work are up against the odds. People living with HIV are no better off.Sexual minorities too are fighting for basic rights, said Geetha, a street worker who started Karnataka Sex Workers Union.“People living with HIV continue to struggle with accessing free treatment at government hospitals. The first line of treatment is available but the second line is not. Only a few are able to access this,” she added.