Why do some women in India turn to sex work?

Poverty drives some women to sex work.

How many sex workers are estimated in India?

Approximately 3 million sex workers in India.

Sex workers in India face abuse and stigma.

Some sex workers become primary breadwinners.

Efforts are made to educate and empower sex workers.

Sex work in India often stems from economic desperation, with women like Ankita forced into the profession due to poverty, earning significant amounts to support their families and clear debts, highlighting the financial motivations behind this work.
The historical context of ethnic groups transitioning from traditional performance roles to sex work due to British colonial criminalization underscores the systemic barriers faced by sex workers, leading to efforts to empower them with education and alternative employment opportunities to challenge stereotypes and discrimination.

Why do some women in India turn to sex work?
Poverty drives some women to sex work.
How many sex workers are estimated in India?
Approximately 3 million sex workers in India.
What challenges do sex workers in India face?
Sex workers in India face abuse and stigma.
How do some sex workers challenge gender roles in India?
Some sex workers become primary breadwinners.
What efforts are made to empower sex workers in India?
Efforts are made to educate and empower sex workers.

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Raj Kumari is a sex worker in India, part of a system rooted in the caste system, with Ankita being another sex worker in a village in Rajasthan.
Ankita, a sex worker, entered the profession due to poverty, earning around 60,000 to 70,000 rupees per month to support her family and pay off a debt of 11,000 Euros.
Sex work is a matter of survival for many in India, with an estimated 3 million sex workers aged 15 to 35, facing abuse and stigma due to their background and lack of other work opportunities.
The ethnic groups these women come from were traditionally performers but were criminalized by the British colonial power, leading to stereotypes and discrimination that hinder their ability to pursue other livelihoods.
Some women in these communities challenge gender roles by becoming primary breadwinners, respected for their ability to support families, pay off debts, and eventually move to urban centers for better opportunities, while efforts are made to educate and empower them to find alternative employment.