Sex in the city

Empowerment is for every woman. Regardless of caste, religion or occupation. No woman should be treated differently for the nature of occupation. Sex workers and Bar dancers are looked down upon in our society for their profession. They have no adequate safety or any law protecting them.

Prostitutes were called as brides of the town in ancient times. The rich had the practice of asking for the Nagarvadhus (brides of town) to sing and dance. The most attractive girl was appointed as the Nagarvadhu and she was treated as nothing less than a queen. Women then fought for this title and it wasn’t a taboo.

In the 19th Century, the British military built and maintained brothels for its soldiers across India. The red-light districts of cities, such as Mumbai, developed during this time. This was the origin of prostitution in India. Women and girls were recruited from poor rural Indian families and paid directly by the military at that time. Even now, many young girls from poor families mainly from the North India are brought to big cities with the promise of jobs and are forced into prostitution.

I have always believed prostitution is a profession and sex work should be decriminalsed. It should have a regulation and space in the law for their safety. This can reduce a lot of crimes like sexual assault and trafficking. When I came across a story about Kamatipura, I went to visit the place.

I did not know what to expect which was a little intimidating but the curiosity kept me going. 

As I was walking around, one particular lane left an imprint in my mind, it started like the exact mental picture I had in my mind, where some women were ready and waiting downstairs while some of them were up on the balcony as portrayed in certain movies, but as I walked down the street I saw something that made me very happy, I saw the Prerana study center. I went inside and tried to speak to one of the teachers there but as they were busy with the kids, I couldn’t have a conversation with them. The kids were happy and laughing like any other child regardless of everything. It was their life and it looked as nothing but normal.

As I was walking down the road, I saw many of the shops named after a girl, one could only wonder if it was named after their muse. On the streets we could see many prostitutes waiting for their customers, they were all standing separately and not in groups. They were not trying to seduce anyone or lure any customer, which was contrary to the mental image I had. They were all from different age groups and some had heavy make up on but some to the contrary of the stereotypical belief had very normal and impressive make up on them while some had no makeup at all. 

I was contemplating whether to talk to one of the women and I happened to make eye contact with her. She was wearing a lavender saree and looked very pretty, I kept walking ahead like I didn’t just notice her but something in me wanted to look back and see her again. We looked at each other again and I could see a look of longing in her eyes and we kept looking at each other for at least half a second and more and I couldn’t help but feel sad. Did she want to say something to me? Did she prefer women? Did I remind her of someone? What did she feel about being there? Did she want out? Did she want a friend? I couldn't go upto her and speak and now I will never know who she is or what her story is.