'Sex Work is Work,' Professional Sex Workers in Tamil Nadu Open Up!

'Work is to provide for the dearest and nearest and it should not be a stigma in the human society irrespective of its nature' is the core idea of Vadamalar Federation of Sex Workers that is based in Madurai. The federation helps active sex workers to legally fight for the rights of sex workers around Tamil Nadu.

Kokila is the president of Vadamalar federation of Sex Workers who has been a sex worker for 20 years now. Of late, Kokila turned herself into an activist whose ultimate objective is to set up an autonomous society for sex workers in Tamil Nadu.

As of today, the Vadamalar Federation which is a network of community-based organisations (CBOs) has gathered 550 sex workers in Tamil Nadu. Each of the 550 women is involved in the profession to provide their families. Meena, a sex worker from Theni talked about how police would charge them in fake Marijuana cases and file FIR. Later, CBOs would come to rescue such workers.

Some of the sex workers shared their experiences and bonding with the Vadamalar Federation. Geetha, a sex worker from Madurai seems to be enthusiastic about the work she does and says "It doesn't matter what the society thinks. I'm living with dignity, earning my own money to raise my son".

Bhanu, another sex worker from Theni said that they do not allow “trafficking for sex” and ensure the safety of children below 18-years by preventing from entering into the profession. In fact, they do not want the public to look at them like criminals and seperate them from the rest of the human community. They have chosen the profession out of their own choice and want to live a dignified life like any other working-class people.

Some even talked about "Condom negotiation", "Sex Education" to their clients and the "Safety Campaign" - the core aspects and protocols to be followed by a professional sex worker. On the whole, "Sex work is work" is their motto. Geetha further added, "We would like the public to acknowledge and understand our cause because, with their help, it is possible for us to live normal lives". 

*The above story (including some of the quoted texts) is taken from an article published in The NewsMinute.com.