Vasco: In the scorching summer heat, rehabilitated
sex workers
made a powerful statement by heading to the polling booth to cast their vote in the
Lok Sabha elections
. This marked their first opportunity to participate in the
democratic process
after being granted a
voter ID
.
Empowered by this new found inclusion, one of them remarked, “While most people get their voting card at age 18, I got mine at 30.
This makes me feel very accomplished. My vote matters and I feel seen.”
On election day, 12 women cast their votes, overcoming various hurdles and anxieties associated with their first-time voting experience. Altogether 27 applications were submitted to the Goa govt with a request for inclusion. However, 12 women were granted the opportunity to exercise their
voting rights
. The applications of 15 others were rejected due to lack of address proof.
“The polling booths are full of police personnel. We feared being identified and stigmatised so we were hesitant,” Titli (name changed), another survivor said .
To navigate these challenges, the women relied on the support of their neighbours and community members, in guiding them through the voting process. On the big day, the women walked together in a group towards their designated polling booth with their
community support
. Despite moments of self-consciousness and confusion, the women persevered — their feet refusing to be wobbled with hesitation.
“Initially I felt nervous, but the booth workers provided guidance for they saw us as voters and not as ‘those’ women with a past,” said Paayal (name changed), a survivor, who is now navigating her newfound role as an active citizen with social inclusion. Displaying the indelible mark on her index finger with pride, it dawned upon her that some inks leave a mark on not just the skin but also one’s heart.
“This is the start of a new life,” she said. “I was born in Goa three decades ago but I’ve been recognised as a citizen of this land only now. This ID is my identity,” she said.
The initiative of getting the former sex workers voting rights was spearheaded by Anyay Raahit Zindagi (ARZ). The volunteers of ARZ sensitized the community on how to assist the survivors.
English (US) ·