Social activists apprehend such a move could prove counter-productive
Social activists apprehend such a move could prove counter-productive
Supreme Court's observation over legalizing flesh trade in the country has stirred a hornet's nest.
On one hand, those involved in the business welcomed it with open hands claiming it would help them escape exploitation at the hands of the police, on the other social activists are afraid that it would hit efforts against human trafficking.
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Vicious circle: Sex workers at an awareness workshop in Delhi
file photo |
They said such a move could aggravate the situation and the number of sex workers in the country may touch a whopping five million in just a few years. According to the Women and Child Welfare Ministry, there are over three million women working as sex workers in India as of 2003. Of them 1.3 million are children below the age of 14.
Ruchira Gupta, founder of Apne Aap Women Worldwide, an anti-trafficking organization said, "Legalising prostitution will give immunity to the pimps and brothels to buy or sell human beings. There are many countries which have experienced the same thing. Trafficking will increase at a faster rate and violence against women will also go up. Moreover it will also normalize the use of younger girls."
"We are talking of controlling AIDS in the country. Legalising prostitution will protect the male customers but what about the women. Men will not have to carry a certificate of not being HIV+. If prostitution is legalized it, will only legalise sexual exploitation and the number of sex workers would surpass the population of some European countries like Finland," added Gupta.
The apex court had last week said that if it can't be curbed, legalising flesh trade would be a better option. to avoid trafficking of women and children. Social activist Madhu Kishwar said, "This will promote those who sell their girls for sex trade."
