Kolkata Sex Trade Workers Prepare For New Careers As Actors And Singers
Culture & Lifestyle Feb 14, 2016
Sonagachi — Asia’s largest red-light district — gets new hopes of a better life for sex workers and their children.
West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee introduced the Muktir Alo (Light of Freedom) project for women, girls and children rescued. The project aims to bring sex workers out of the red light district to start new and better lives.
Photo Credit: kenziehyde.wordpress.com
The project will train the women in “dancing, acting, and singing, so that they can get an opportunity in movies and serials,” said Minister of Women Development and Social Empowerment Sashi Panja.
The government has contacted film and serial producers and directors to ensure that these women will have work in the industry mastering the art of acting. Moreover, some workers showed concern about marginalization when they try to get work in the field due to their background. However, the government assures them that they will have help seeking a better future.
Photo Credit: womenpla.net
Along with singing and acting classes, the women will also take spoken English classes. So far, 50 participants have enrolled in these courses, which have already begun. “The girls are bring imparted lesson in voice modulation, acting, and dancing,” said Samarjit Jana of the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee (DMSC), who's overlooking the training program. He said he's hopeful about the success of this initiative. It has already created a lot of curiosity among sex trade workers and their children.
Although this isn't the first attempt to help sex workers and their children pursue better lives, it does offer a better financial outcome than previous initiatives. The government had tried to have workers enroll in job-related training — workshops on sewing and weaving. However, these attempts didn’t get much response. The programs weren’t very financially beneficial.
“This is [the] second phase of the rehabilitation programme for the sex workers and their family members and those girls who have been rescued from the flesh trade,” said Panja.
Photo Credit: www.scoopwhopp.com
Despite the government's and workers' attempts to better their lives, many workers are concerned. They worry whether they'll find acceptance and respect in a society that views their work as taboo. “We are willing to participate in the programme. We hope that after the workshop we will be able to get opportunities. And out past like won’t come in our way,” said a 28-years-old sex worker.
A 24-years-old sex worker said, “If a porn star can become an actress, why can’t we sex workers become actresses?”
What are your thoughts on this initiative of the West Bengal government? Will these sex workers face discrimination due to their past when they try to improve their lives? Let us know in the comments below.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.notey.com
Farah Quraishi
Author
Farah Quraishi is a Journalism graduate from Sheridan College, she teaches story writing to young adults, has won a best documentary award at BEAC Awards, and enjoys fashion, nature, and Bollywood. She always had a passion for writing and decided to pursue that path.
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I Can't Say No To People Without Feeling Guilty
-
Let’s Talk … About Your Relationship with You!
-
This Is Why Amsterdam In The Winter Is Simply Wonderful
-
Dear Dr. Monica Vermani Being Back In The Office Is Giving Me Anxiety
-
Indian Afternoon Tea At Bobby's In Leicester UK? Yes Please!
-
Dear Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Ex Tells His Friends His Cheating Is My Fault
-
Travel The World With Tamarind Modern Indian Bistro's Global Cuisine
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Winter Depresses Me, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Parents I Don't Want To Go To Business School?
-
Fabulous Holiday Gifts For Kids
-
Why 'Heroin Chic' Is A Dangerous Trend For South Asians
-
Highlights From The South Asian Literature And Arts Festival (SALA)
-
Ask Dr Monica Vermani: Her 5 Break Up Rules You Should Know
-
Roti Chai Is The Perfect Eatery To Hit Up While Christmas Shopping
-
I Loved Visiting This Quaint Town Of Bath
-
Indian Alley Brings Delhi's Iconic Roadside Eats To Camden Market
-
This Is Why Mauritius Is A Traveller's Dream
-
"Making Happy" By Sheetal Seth Is The Book Kids Need When Their Parent Is Sick
-
International Day Of The Girl: How Women Of The Sundarbans Are Saving Their Girls
-
The Murder Of Mahsa Amini: Will The Global Outcry Make A Difference?
-
South Asian Literature And Art Festival Is Bringing Together The Biggest Names In SA Lit And Here's Why You Need To Go
-
Canada's Most Powerful Women Were Celebrated At The Women Empowerment Awards 2022
-
It's All About The Home Cooked Veg Goodness At London's Ananda Bhavan
-
What Exactly Is A NFT And Why We Need To Stop Ignoring It
-
TIFF 2022: Checking Out The Fabulous Bask-It-Style Gift Lounge
-
Gopal’s Corner Blend Malaysian And Tamil Cuisine Creating An Unforgettable Bite
-
We Celebrate National Wildlife Day With Our 5 Fave Sanctuaries In India
-
Canary Wharf Heats Up Your Palate With Chai Ki
-
Ready To Find Your Match? You'll Need These 4 Desi Dating Apps In Your Life
-
Where Does Hinduism, Islam & Sikhism Stand In The Abortion Issue?
-
Never Forget: 12 Movies & Books To Help You Continue The Partition Conversation
-
From North To South London's Award-Winning Bayleaf Restaurant Elevates Indian Cuisine At Whetstone
-
Here's Why I Fell In Love With The Sea Views Of Southampton and Portsmouth
-
Shree Krishna Vada Pav In London Celebrates India's Iconic Veggie Dishes
-
The Pope’s Apology: A Closer Look At His “Pilgrimage Of Penance"
-
Want To Go To Marrakech? This Is What I Did
-
Virtual Pageants Celebrate Inclusivity & That's Why I Love Them
-
Here's How I Spent 48 Fabulous Hours In Lille, France
-
The Dishes At Central London's Mumbai Square Will Make You Want Seconds
-
4 Hot July 2022 Tech Gadgets That You Need Now!
-
10 South Asian LGBTQIA+ Leaders Who Are Using Their Platform To Break Barriers
-
Ganapati Peckham Brings South Indian Flavours To South London
-
Sanaa: This African/Indian Restaurant Is Disney's Best Kept Secret In Orlando
-
Travel: How I Got The Most Of My Weekend In Marbella, Spain
-
Pride Month 2022: This Glossary Will Teach You All The LGBTQIA+ Terms You Need To Know In 2022
-
Platinum Jubilee: How Relevant Is The Queen To South Asians?
-
Pride Month 2022: A List Of 20 Global Resources To Help You Support Your Journey With Your LGBTQIA+ Loved Ones
-
How To Let Go Of The Past And Create The Life You Want
-
Dhamaka In New York City Lets You Explore Cuisine "From The Forgotten Side Of India"
-
Madras Chettinaad Brings The Flavours Of Tamil Nadu To Atlanta, Georgia
-
3 Must Know Signs That A Problem Exists & How To Conquer Them
-
The 4 Hottest May 2022 Tech Gadgets You Need Now
-
South Asian Heritage Month 2022: From LGBTQIA+ Rights To Senior Dating, How Our Culture Is Becoming More Inclusive
-
How To Avoid Turning Your Words Into Weapons When It Comes To Mental Health
-
Looking For A Mindful Coach? Here's How To Spot The Fakers
-
Travel: How To Get The Most From Your Weekend In Budapest
