Sex workers observe International Sex Workers' Rights Day

Kolkata, Mar 4 (ANI): Over 500 sex workers gathered from different red light areas in Kolkata to stage a candle light procession on the occasion of the 'International Sex Workers Rights Day'.

The Durbar Mahila Samanwaya, a forum of sex workers organised this rally to highlight the socio-economic plight of sex workers.

Children of the sex workers presented street plays and other programmes.

Swapna Gyne, a sex worker said, "Today is the International Sex Worker's Rights Day.n 2001 we observed this day for the first time with the sex workers participating from across the country. But we faced many hurdles in observing this day."

"We were not allowed to observe this day. We challenged the government that we will be observing the day by any which way. The day was March 3. Hence we celebrate this day and take oath that till the time sex workers exist, we will observe this day," she added.

Since 2001, March 3 is being observed as International Sex Worker Rights Day.

Reportedly, the maiden event of International Sex Worker Rights Day witnessed over 25,000 sex workers taking part and voicing their demands. (ANI)