A Case of a sex worker in Dhaka City.

X is twenty. She is married for 5 years and mother of a four years old daughter. X was born at Island district Bhola. X is illiterate. Her husband knows about her profession of brothel and allows her to do so, as he is quite dependent on her earnings. X along with her family resides in a slum of Dhaka City railway station. She picked up this profession 3 years back. When X was in the third year of her marriage her husband brought a few of his drunken friends to their house and allowed them to enjoy sex with his wife by force and from then on X was left with no choice except brothel.

Background Information of Floating Sex Workers in Dhaka City

Brothel is the oldest profession, and the existing of selling female sex for the gratification of males is also one of the oldest vices in society (Joarder, 1984:12). Among the reasons behind the beginning and sustaining of the profession, the subordination and weaker position of women in the socio-economic structure of society can be assumed as most significant. The profession could not sustain unless there was any demand from the males. Again, throughout the history, economic interests led conflict, war, and conquest that in many respects paved the way to women’s subjugation, forced sexual exploitation, and labeling as sex workers class.

What is a Brothel

Since male dominance and patriarchy are widely recognized factors for so many facets of gender discrimination gender violence, the brothel is very much a related phenomenon to unequal gender relation. Because of the state being patriarchal, there is a link between state and brothel. That’s why Khan and Arefeen in their study titled ‘‘State and Brothel: An observation”, discussed brothel from the Feminist perspective” (Khan and Arefeen, 1988: 59-80).

Historical background of sex worker

The history of brothel extends to all ancient and modern cultures (Jenness, 1990 & Bullough, 178). It has been described as "the world's oldest profession” (Keegan, 1974). However, this is only a matter of speech. Most would dispute this claim, supported by the argument that hunting and farming likely took place first in human history. This aside, hunting and farming are not professions unless done for profit.

Psychological counseling and consultation Beliefs and rituals of Children of Sex Workers (CSW)

At every shelter home there is facility of PCC. They come forward to providing mental support to children. And they try to resolve their problem. Those who do not live in shelter home, they also get such facility. They are counseled on teenage issues, childhood love, mental distress and many more issues. They are informed about the prevailing privileges for them They are developed in such a way so that they become acceptable to the society. They are made aware of their rights. They are taught about the responsibilities of a citizen. The sense of basic human rights is strengthened among them.

Beliefs and rituals of Sex Workers (CSW)

In past, prostitutes and their children were buried without observing religious rituals. Hindus were buried and Muslims were burnt. Or else they were made float in the river. But at present, separate graveyard has been built and Janaja prayer is held for the departed soul. Hindus are burnt following rituals. Most of the CSWs practice rituals. They say prayer, keep fast and read the Holy Quran. They regularly go to the mosque and temple. The hujur or caregivers encourage them to observe rituals. They seek help from the almighty while they are in danger.

Reduction of various obstacles of Sex Workers (CSW)

In past CSW, would not get access to any school. Now, they can easily find access to higher studies. They could not move into public places, now they can. Girls would get involved in prostitution and boys would get involved into smuggling, drug trafficking. But now they have choice of alternative profession. They did not have any facility of receiving treatment from hospitals. Now, they get such facility. Now, CSW are advancing towards bright future encroach all hindrances.

Access to health-care of Children of Sex Workers (CSW)

Children are informed as well as taught about different diseases. They are also taught about how to prevent and immune from such diseases. Most of the children know about how to take preventive measure for some common diseases like fever. They know about cleanliness and nutrition. If someone fells sick, residential doctor, office staffs and other mates take care of him. “Shelter Homes” usually have fast aid arrangement. If someone falls into heavy sickness, he or she is then hospitalized.

Empowerment of Children of Children of Sex Workers (CSW)

Problems of children cannot be traced unless they are questioned. To build an active generation, their problems are to be resolved. It is to be monitored that they should not grow up among hurdles of life. Steps have to be taken so they become aware of their rights. If today’s children get involved into crime, it would be a great threatening to the country. Child parliament has been formed to learn children problems of own. Here, children uphold their problems before the elders.

Access to safe rehabilitation of Children of Sex Workers (CSW)

There are various NGOs who provide shelter-home for CSW. It is a safe house for the children which ensure proper safety and security including food, clothe, treatment, tution etc. Sometimes handi-craft has been taught to CSW. Here various facilities are provided according to children’s choice and interests. Extra-curiculmn activities are taught also. Their performance in cultural program is undoubtedly satisfactory. They always own prize in different cultural compitition not only in local level but also in national level. Some of them tour abroad in several circumstances.

Access to formal institution of Children of Sex Workers (CSW)

Nowadays CSW and their mother get access to the formal institution like school, college, hospital, bank, market, playground, park etc. CSW are now getting admition into govt. and non-govt. school and college. Besides this various trainning have been given to them. So they can fit for and find a prestigious job to earn livelihood. Some of the CSW’ are not interested in studies. They are habituated to the vulnerability of brothel with various corrupted works. But most of the CSW studied in this survey are found interested in study. Every year more than 20 students pass S.S.C. and H.S.C. examination successfully. Their access in market, playground, park is a matter of concern, that, they are not isolated anymore. Evenmore they can open a bank account if they want.

Problems to mainstreaming of Children of Sex Workers

None of the boys and girls wants to go back to their mothers’ place. They want to live in shelter-home because of food, facilities and security. Only, 5% want to live with mothers who are below 5 year old. Other 92% want to live in shelter-home. Some of the participants 32% want to live in shelter-home because of friends and peers, 55.5% percent for all facilities, 10% percent for security and 12.5% percent only likes to live here. But only teenage girls point out that shelter-home ensures their security.

Report on The Present Situation of CSW in India

The basic education department of Uttar Pradesh would provide free and compulsory education up to class 8 to children of sex workers on the pattern of West Bengal. The officials of the basic education department said that according to the orders of Basic Shiksha Parishad and the Supreme Court, even the children of sex workers below the age of 14 years would be given free and compulsory education. The officials of the department of every district in the state were asked to identify such children through a survey. (Mitra, N.2012)