Titled as 'Sex Workers Freedom Festival', the meeting is being held as an alternative to the International AIDS Conference, the world's largest meeting on the global epidemic, which began in Washington DC earlier in the day.
In a message Michele Sidibe, Executive Director of UNAIDS, said he was 'extremely inspired' by the 'Freedom Festival' as "It is a wonderful example of people who face stigma and discrimination speaking out and taking control of their own destinies."
Hundreds of sex workers and their representatives from 30 countries converged in Kolkata for the unique event hosted by Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee.
Appreciating the role of India, KayThi Win, who represents a community of sex workers in Myanmar, said, "The Indian government is treating us like anybody else and that is what we appreciate most." (MORE)