Bengal sex workers protest against discrimination

On the eve of Independence Day, around 1,000 sex workers from West Bengal participated in a rally here Thursday protesting against the discrimination faced by children of members of the marginalised community.

According to the sex workers, even 67 years after India's independence, their children are still not treated at par with kids from privileged backgrounds.

Organised by Durbaar and Amra Podatik (a community-based organisation), the march began from Sonagachi, one of India's largest red-light areas, and proceeded towards College Street in north Kolkata.

"This is not independence in the real sense. Even after so many years, our kids do not have a chance to study and develop skills just because they have ties to sex workers. We want better prospects for our children," said a member of Durbaar, the umbrella body of sex workers in the state.