Saheli Empowers Pune Sex Workers Since 1998

Saheli, a non-profit organisation based in Pune, has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of sex workers in the city since 1998. What sets Saheli apart is that it is a collective led by sex workers themselves, with its founders and board members belonging to the community.

The organisation was established in response to the HIV epidemic, which posed a serious threat to sex workers. Initially, Saheli focused on HIV prevention and awareness, but over the years, its work has expanded to address various challenges faced by sex workers, including reproductive and sexual health, family planning, safe abortion services, mental health counselling, and community-based peer education.

According to the organisation's Executive Director, who has been associated with the movement since 1995, the mission of Saheli is to empower sex workers through collectivisation. The organisation believes that sex workers should have the right to organise, access healthcare, and live with dignity.

One of the key aspects of Saheli's advocacy is its demand for the decriminalisation of sex work. While sex work itself is not illegal in India, the organisation says that the legal framework remains unclear and often leads to arbitrary action by law enforcement. Saheli strongly differentiates between consensual adult sex work and human trafficking, stressing that the two should never be treated as the same.

The organisation also works to reduce the violence sex workers often face, not only from the system but also from society, family members, and intimate partners. Alongside legal awareness and counselling, Saheli advocates for better policies, social protection, and livelihood opportunities.

Recognising that many women wish to explore alternative sources of income, Saheli has introduced livelihood initiatives. Through a CSR-supported project, 16 women from the community are employed as sanitation workers in Pune's red-light area, earning regular salaries while helping improve cleanliness in the locality.

Saheli also focuses on supporting children and families of sex workers. Rather than operating its own schools, the organisation helps children secure admissions to day schools, residential schools, and hostels by connecting families with existing educational institutions.

The work of Saheli is a testament to the power of community-led initiatives in bringing about positive change. By providing dignity, healthcare, and hope to sex workers, Saheli is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

In the context of India's complex and often contradictory laws surrounding sex work, Saheli's advocacy for decriminalisation and its efforts to reduce violence and stigma are crucial. The organisation's work also highlights the need for greater support and resources for sex workers and their families.

As Saheli continues to work towards its mission of empowering sex workers, its impact is being felt not only in Pune but also across the country. The organisation's model of community-led collectivisation and advocacy is an inspiration to others working towards social justice and human rights.

In conclusion, Saheli's work is a shining example of the difference that can be made when communities come together to demand their rights and challenge unjust systems. As India continues to grapple with the complexities of sex work and its surrounding laws, organisations like Saheli will play a vital role in shaping the conversation and advocating for the rights and dignity of sex workers.

The significance of Saheli's work extends beyond the lives of individual sex workers and their families. It has the potential to contribute to a broader shift in societal attitudes towards sex work and to inform policy and legislative changes that promote the rights and well-being of sex workers. As such, Saheli's work is an important part of a larger movement towards social justice and human rights in India.