Beyond Makeup: Kolkata's Sex Workers Prioritize Civic Duty

In Kolkata's historic Sonagachhi red-light district, sex workers put their livelihoods aside to participate in voter registration. Election officials, known as BLOs, visited the area, assisting the women with form submissions and addressing their concerns. A significant number of sex workers are estranged from their families, making it challenging to provide required parental names on the forms.

This lack of familial connection led to anxieties among the sex workers, with some fearing that incomplete information might lead to their disenfranchisement. The BLOs reported receiving numerous calls and queries, dedicating their time to guide and reassure residents, some of whom have lived in Sonagachhi for decades.

The voter registration drive saw a large turnout, with thousands of commercial sex workers actively seeking assistance. Despite the challenges, the community's engagement underscored their commitment to civic participation, even as they navigated the complexities of providing personal details and addressing fears of exclusion.