Jump to navigation. Breaking the mould: Sex workers weave a new life in Kerala Projects initiated by State Aids Control Society have given them fresh avenues of income generation. Twenty-seven-year-old Saleena was dejected with the treatment society meted out to her. She was into prostitution for many years and it was her husband who initiated her into the "profession. She was not allowed to spend time with her children because the hostel authorities apprehend that she would prompt the kids to join her.
However, her life has a larger meaning now. She is a member of one of the seven projects initiated by State Aids Control Society to create awareness and rehabilitate sex workers in Kerala. Swantham, her group, distributes vegetables to homes in and around Kochi.
In the other districts, these groups function under the name of Chola, Swaruma and Punarjani. It was not an easy task, especially when their "operation points" are scattered.
In Kochi, of them were operating from streets, from homes and 24 at lodges. The project closely observes such points and creates awareness among sex workers. They will not be ready to work at low wages, but still need a socially acceptable profession," she adds.
It demands dedication and hard work to bring them back to life," says Syamraj, who has been working as counsellor in the project for last two years. Apart from economic independence and social acceptability, the project has successfully brought out positive changes in the health status of sex workers as well. In , only AIDS deaths were reported and the fall can be attributed to the high awareness on the part of sex workers. The project, which is designed for 12 months, is expected to be taken over completely by sex workers after March 31, Anne 32 sells candles in front of Valiya Palli church at Kaloor, Kochi and her once "night customers" choose to avoid her during day time.
