While the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown led to many people losing their source of income, a Surat-based NGO has come forward to support the sex workers in the region and to provide them skill-training.
Apart from rations and other essentials. the NGO also ensures that the sex workers earn their livelihood in a more respectful manner.
Shakti Foundation, which has been working for nine years for the upliftment and empowerment of tribal women, took the initiative after coming to know of the problems being faced by them.
"We got to know of the bad condition of sex workers in Surat during the coronavirus crisis and the lockdown. We first helped them with rations, but since they would have no source of income for the coming days too that is why we started giving them skill training. We trained them in stitching and the first batch has 50 women who stitch khadi masks, bags, raincoats, kurtis, etc," Dr Sonal Roch, founder, Shakti Foundation told here.
She further said that the goal is to provide skill training to as many needy workers as possible.
The sex workers at the centre run by the NGO expressed gratitude towards the orgsation for the initiative and said they are attempting to make a turnaround in their lives.
One of those receiving the skill training said, "I was forced to work as a sex worker because my husband did not support me. I am the sole earner for my kids and my family, but the corona crisis really hit us hard."
She, however, added that "The initiative is helping us in this difficult time but I do not think I can quit being a sex worker as I can barely manage my expenses in Rs 7,000-8,000. I have to educate my two children, pay rent, and look after other family members also."
( With inputs from ANI )