Re: AIDS activits and social sensibility: Reply

[Guest guest]

[This message is in response to the posting from Anju of “Jackindia " on social

responsibility of AIDS activists. Moderator]

Dear Anju,

It is interesting that not accepting regressive social norms

sex workers should use the bhangi bol `night soil lane', should not be seen

by the naked eye, should not use a Jeep, should keep their head covered]

should be considered as offending sensibilities. By the way, we have been

doing this work `discreetly' for ten years now.

1. There has been a long history of violence against women in prostitution

in this area. women have been ill-treated, used by the police, gundas and

petty criminals for many years now. It was only when the women got

empowered enough to say that they will not accept being raped and abused

both physically and mentally that the men in the locality got angry.

2. I am as upset about this episode as you are. not for the same reasons but

because i am aware that what for us is an academic discussions at the best

of times, for the women it is their lives and livelihood. i am not as

judgemental as you are about women who are fighting for their rights. this

hapless sex worker image is not a wholly true one. Because the rights of

sex workers have been denied and they are fighting this battle it is not

correct to say that their intention was to offend the sensibilities of their

neighbours.

3. The men who visit the women for sex belong to the same town. It is my

understanding that more often than not it is these very same men whose

vested interest needs to keep the voice of the women underground. Let us at

least acknowledge the strength of the women who are fighting a heroic battle

against the virus on an everyday basis and `saving and educating' their male

clients about HIV and STD's.

4. For your information this organisation uses/ distributes 3,50,000 condoms

per month in seven districts among 5000 women. And has been doing so for

more than eight years now. These condoms are used by men and women. Let us

not forget that most of these men are regular clients and are thus locals.

When the women ask questions as to why only they should cover their heads

with shame- we have no answer.

5. The police officer could use such language because we do not want to

challenge men who are abusive to women in prostitution. It is society that

uses the women and demeans them by degrading their means of livelihood. It

may take time but the women will be reinstated in Nippani. It is possible.

I will keep you informed about the details.

But ten years of good work cannot disappear.

We will win with your blessings.

In solidarity,

Meena Saraswathi Seshu.

E-mail: <meena@...>

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