Sonagachhi sex workers caught in debt trap: Survey

KOLKATA: At least 89% of the sex workers of Sonagachhi are in deep debt bondage and need to be rescued immediately, according to a survey report that has been submitted to the state social welfare department. Out of work because of the safety restrictions in place during the pandemic, these women had to borrow money from informal sources. Unable to pay back, they have now been enslaved by the money lenders, who are also brothel owners and pimps in many cases, according to the report.
The survey has been conducted by Anti Human Trafficking Organization, an NGO that has sought the immediate intervention of the state to help bail out the sex workers in distress, many of whom are at risk of being trafficked.The report goes on to say that 81% of the sex workers are being threatened and extorted and are being forced to give free services to clients of pimps and brothel owners.

About 98% of the women have revealed that they were ready to quit sex trade if they got alternative earning opportunities. “Despite knowing that we are running huge health risks, we are being forced to accept clients. There is no other way of coming out of the debt warp,” said a voice that has been quoted in the survey. There are 93% women who know that they are running huge risks by doing business but are helpless because many would otherwise starve with small hungry mouths to feed.
The survey has also pointed out that there are state-run welfare schemes such as Muktir Alo that are meant for rehabilitation of sex workers but since 2015, only 75 women have been rescued and rehabilitated. Women who have been surveyed have pointed out that the scheme needs to be refreshed and emboldened and used properly in these pandemic times.
“The dynamics of the red light area are traditionally such that women have no identity proof here and so no bank or financial institution gives us loans. Naturally, we have to depend on private money lenders,” women have said in the survey.
“We urge the state to step in immediately to bring these women back from the brink of life,” said Tapan Saha, spokesperson of the NGO, who has submitted the report to the state social welfare department.
Shashi Panja, state minister for social welfare, sounded sympathetic. “Sonagachhi is within my constituency and since the lockdown, I have ensured that dry ration reaches as many women as possible. I am yet to go through the report, but I must say that Durbar Mahila Samanway Samiti and its partner NGOs have been of great help,” she said.