28 June,2011 08:09 AM IST | | Rocky Thongam
Said sex workers from Delhi's GB Road when MiD DAY asked for their views on the intriguing event planned for July 24
If only Toronto Police Constable Michael Sanguinetti knew what he started on January 24 this year, would fire the imagination of people across continents. Thanks to his, 'women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised,' comment 'Slut Walk' campaigns around the globe from Boston to Brasilia have kept protestors, commentators, activists, academicians and civil society groups busy debating over a phenomenon which some have termed as a 'befitting feminist response' to sexual violence.
Backs to the wall: A sex worker at a GB Road brothel. Pic/Subhash Barolia
Tightrope walk
The Capital is its latest battleground. A journalism student and bunch of like minded friends' endeavour to try and replicate the walk in the Capital has already evoked mixed reactions from different sections of society. But the latest to speak up are a bunch of women who deal with the much debated word everyday. "When I think of it it's ironic. Your gentrywalas have created such a hullabaloo over the word; for us it is something tattooed on our head. Like it or not it's permanent," said Sumitra from kotha no.51 of GB road. Ask Shamin who came from Bangalore 25 years back or Suman from Benaras who has been a sex worker here for the past ten years; their response is the same. "We dress provocatively for work and are paraded in front of men every day. What will this walk achieve for us?" questioned Suman.
Plain speaking
"The other day a bunch of drunken men wanted to take me with them. I resisted but had to eventually relent, it's routine in our line of work." said Sumitra. While women around the Capital are gearing up for the walk now tamed down to 'Besharmi Morcha' on July 24, these women feel the same about when it comes about the form of protest. "I have heard they have 'toned down' the dress code of the protest. That kind of protest would have only provoked the men more. I don't think this deep rooted chauvinism can be combated by wearing skimpy clothes and walking on the street," said 28-year-old Tamanna, who has been a sex worker here for the past three years. "Though as women we support the intent. Sexual violence should be curbed. No man should have the right to assault or rape a woman," she said.
Different priorities
"We have to deal with HIV, STD, lack of basic amenities, voter ID cards, ration cards and other pressing survival problems," said Lucky Didi. "Morcha in galiyon me bahut baad me pahunchega (the protest will reach these lanes much later)," she added. Till then they wait.
3000
No. of sex workers in the brothels at GB Road area
