Exploring Needs of Sex Workers From the Kamathipura Red-Light Area of Mumbai, India

Author: Gezinski, Lindsay & Karandikar, Sharvari

Abstract: Kamathipura is considered to be Asia's largest red-light area and is located in Mumbai, India. It has approximately 5,000 sex workers. The majority of the sex workers are trafficked as minors from rural parts of India or from Bangladesh and Nepal. The purpose of this research study was to identify and explore the needs of female sex workers in Kamathipura. In-depth interviewing was used to gather data from 48 sex workers from July to November 2008. Three critical needs emerged pertaining to work, health, and safety. Sex workers described their challenges of living and working in Kamathipura and discussed several health- and safety-related issues faced on a day-to-day basis. Sex workers also discussed the need for various interventions and provisions. Finally, the study provides recommendations for social work practice, policy, and research in the area.

Keywords: sex work, India, basic needs, income, health, safety, Maslow