Play on the Plight of Sex Workers

On the 28^thof August, 2019, the Social Work Students’ Association (SWSA) of the Department of Social Work in association with Sadhana Mahila Sangha, organised a Kannada play based on the harsh realities of being a sex worker in the city of Bangalore. The play was performed at Xavier Hall, PG block, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru. The performers portrayed the life story of a typical female sex worker who was forced to take up this profession by her own husband. Through the play, the actors highlighted the fact that although sex work is a profession recognised by law of the land, the social stigma against sex workers is still prevalent in India. In fact, many women are thrown purposefully into these difficult situations by their own family members or close kin. After the play, there was a short interaction session between the students present and the performers. Answering all the questions posed by the students, the performers highlighted the fact that it is customary law and overly-conservative attitude of society that is keeping sex workers from claiming their right to a decent life, free from harassment and exploitation. The play was an eye opener to social work students and a prime example of how art can be used to convey strong messages and spread awareness about such issues in society.