NGO by sex workers helps counterparts in Raj fight for rights

A Mysore-based NGO for HIV-AIDS, the first in the Asia-Pacific region being run by sex workers, has launched a novel project to help counterparts in Rajasthan form Community Based Organisations to resist exploitation and safeguard their rights.
"The Ashodaya Academy plays a pivotal role in building skills and capacity among sex workers in some parts of Rajasthan.
"It has enabled them taste some success in their fight for rights," Bhagyalaxmi, the NGO's Director, told PTI.
Sharing her experiences in getting the project started, Bhagyalaxmi says her NGO did not find the going smooth while trying to form the CBOs as sex workers were reluctant to come out in the open to discuss their problems.

"We contacted NGOs working there who helped us goad them (sex workers) on to form CBOs in the state," said another Academy office-bearer, finance director Manjula Ramaiah.
As part of the programme, select community leaders from Rajasthan are brought to Mysore on an exposure trip, which is followed up by on-site support in their state, Manjula said.

At the Academy, a facilitator recalls her experiences and provides solution to questions based on her life experiences.
"Training sessions at the academy are far from preachy. We begin by telling them our own stories, enact situations to cross the language barrier and then ask them to participate," a faculty member at the NGO and transgender, Jinendra, said.

The trainees are also sex workers who easily understand the experience-based cases cited by their mentors.
"It is an university in itself - the community teaching the community. This way ,community members definitely learn better, faster as capacity building is imparted by a fellow community member," said Ashodaya Samiti adviser, Sushena Reza Paul.