PUNE: The lockdown due to spread of COVID-19 in Pune has affected the earnings of commercial sex workers (CSW) as well, and NGOs looking after their welfare are finding it difficult to help them.
Most of the sex workers are based in Budhwar Peth.
Entry to the area was closed last week by Pune police. With no source of income now and shortage of basic food materials, the women of the red light area are bracing for a tough time ahead.
“From the time the area was shut for public, their income stopped. We tried to stock up some food materials with the help of support groups, but it will soon get exhausted,” said Saheli HIV/AIDS Karyakarta Sangh’s executive director Tejaswee Sevekari who has also appealed to the public on behalf of the organisation to support them by donating groceries or funds to buy it.
“We fear, if the lockdown prolongs, then it will become difficult for these women to survive in the coming days," she added.
There were some who wanted to leave Pune and head back to their hometowns, but are now unable to do so.
A few among them need regular medicines of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for which they will have to step out eventually, but they have been asked to stock it up for at least a month or two.
“These women have been sensitised about the COVID-19 and have been told to maintain hygiene. There is a sense of panic in them because of the police threat, no income and shortage of food supply,” Sevekari told Sakal Times.
Another NGO, Kayakalp foundation along with the help of Mukul Madhav Foundation has also arranged groceries including basic food materials like dal, rice, jaggery, channa, peanuts, cooking oil, tea etc. for CSWs.
“The food supply available at present will be sufficient for three weeks at least and can be distributed to 50 women. We are distributing it mainly to the HIV positive women, as we too lack resources,” said Kayakalp foundation’s Seema Waghmode.
“Until Monday morning, my volunteers were visiting the area, but now even they have been asked to stay at home for their safety. I have no idea how will we manage after a few weeks if the situation doesn’t normalise. I feel the government should step in to help these underprivileged women who are generally ignored from other State benefits,” said Waghmode.
