Problem Statement:
Mumbai and Navi Mumbai has the highest population of commercial Sex workers, Bar girls and
Trans gender’s community (TG) in Maharashtra about 2 to 3 thousand bar girls and 300
transgender. Besides the well-known red-light area of Kamathipura, Malvani, Ghatkopar,
Mulund and navi Mumbai specially Panvel ,Kallamboli,Taloja and Khopoli , there are many
pockets wherein TG’s and bar girls operate either in Dance Bars, street based, brothel based or
as per the customer services. Most of these TGs enter sex work, begging, dancing in their
adolescent years or early 20’s due to lack of education and poverty, and non-community
acceptance. About sex workers and bar girls the human traffickers trap the girls from the poor
families luring them with offer of good jobs or other similar temptations. They take the victims
with the consent of their parents and force them to involve themselves in flesh trade, the risk
of women and girls being trafficked to India is increasing due to poverty, illiteracy,
unemployment and lower wages in our country. They continue to face stigma and varied forms
of abuse and violence from police, pimps, clients, community, and general population and are
highly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The HIV/AIDS
Targeted Interventions Programs by National AIDS Control Organizations (NACO) through the
district body Mumbai District HIV/AIDS Control Society (MDACS) and MSACS has significantly
increased awareness amongst LGBTQUI Community, bar girls and adoption of safer sex
practices, thereby reducing incidences of HIV/AIDS and other STIs. There has also been
considerable success in dealing with crisis through the formation of community led crisis
groups.
During and post Covid-19 pandemic, it has been observed that TGs and sex workers were not
able to attract many clients; or not earning money via begging, those issue were aggravated
with ageing i.e. for TGs above 40 years. The resulting economic crisis, coupled with the lack of
social support system and poor living conditions, often leads to stress, depression and addiction
to alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Currently, there are not many programs working to address the
skill gap and provide alternate sources of livelihood for TGs.
About Ashray Social Foundation –
Ashray Social Foundation is a registered NGO formed in 2008 with the aim, to empower the
women, child, individual, families, communities & society with prevention & intervention
skill to reduce the occurrence of women & child exploitation & sexual abuse and also
ensuring the health right of TG community. Currently the NGO has 3000 thousand
registered bar girls in Panvel in Raigad District and 300 registered members of TG
located in Raigad District. And more than 16 yrs. of experience in the field of HIV/AIDS
awareness and Prevention programme. In Addition Ashray Social Foundation is trying
to bring them in to the social mainstream. All required document have been issued them
for better life like a common society members. About 100 TG have been issued voter
ID, 85 TG have been issued TG card, 10 ration card etc.
Since 2008, Ashray Social Foundation has been working with 3000 FSWs, 200 TG from Navi
Mumbai and Raigad District on HIV Prevention, Care and Support services. During Covid-19
pandemic, Ashray Social Foundation Provided dry food, Health Services, stationary to the
children’s of Sex workers.
In order to get rid of the flesh trade and to support our families a business of manufacturing
disposable paper plates has been started on behalf of Ashray Social Foundation, but at present
the said business is not running properly due to lack of funds and also lack of suitable premises.
About Project SWAYAM SIDDHATA– Spice making Business by Ashray Social Foundation:
Now we have thought of starting a spice making business for this community to help them
stand on their own feet. This initiative also a conscious step towards venturing into the domain
of social enterprise, making TGs and bar girls financially independent by providing alternate
means of livelihood and thereby ensuring their dignified transition into mainstream.
Goal:
Enhanced quality of life for Sex Workers and TG’s leading to their social and economic
empowerment.
Beneficiaries:
– The primary beneficiaries would be Sex Workers and TGs (age 40+ years) managing the
operations of spice making operation, having learnt with fundamentals of managing a
social enterprise. 8-10 sex workers and TGs would be engaged full time with the
operation of Masala making social enterprise, managing the entire operations.
– The secondary beneficiaries of the Sex workers, TGs, industrial migrant workers and
general population who would be receiving quality of product at affordable rates.
Ashray Social Foundation is seeking a capital investment for a year to set up the “Spice Making
Business “, after which it is confident of sustaining the enterprise based on profits made. The
investment for 1 year would cover the cost for the below mentioned:
Approximate Budget
– Space rent : Rs 50,000/-
– Infrastructure including Machinery. : Rs 500000/-
– Raw materials i.e. groceries : Rs 50000 /-
– Pamphlets for marketing : Rs 25000/-
– Refresher training on social enterprise : Rs 25000/-
– Total : 6,50000 /- ( 6.5 lakh fifty Thousand)
The NGO members have the potential, confidence and the necessary skills to manage the
enterprise.
Impact:
Financial empowerment of Sex Workers and TGs through an innovative sustainable social
enterprise.