Sex Workers in Cnennai

Oldest profession has no new solution 

Sex workers Chennai

A recent study has estimated that there are about 14,000 sex workers Chennai. It is very conservative estimate. A few years back we made a study of " shadow economy" in Chennai City (old city area) in which one of the aspect was prostitution. Our estimate revealed that there were around 10000 persons involved on a regular basis, 8000 persons involved on "occasional basis" and many persons on and of basis, particularly college students, employees and house wives. There is a large number of male and female brokers, who entice and guide them into prostitution. We found that many middle class and upper middle class women were involved in occasional indulgence in prostitution. In most such cases, family friends and neighbors happened to be the clients. In such cases the women will go to the residence of the client or guest houses or friends' house. In the case of students, they accompany the client to lodges or farm houses. Now Chennai's total area and population have gone up. Some of the newly added areas are notorious for prostitution. Therefore, the total number of prostitutes in Greater Chennai at present will be around, 25,000 regulars and and an equal number of other categories. It has to be noted that only through rapid economic development and adequate employment generation, besides changes in the mind-set of the people, alone this profession may be curtailed. Although many of those who indulge in prostitution on a regular basis dislike the profession, they are averse to rehabilitation for fear of publicity, which they think will spoil the chance for a peaceful life. During our survey one prostitute said, " I was driven into the profession against my will. Many times I withdrew and worked in odd jobs; but again and again I have been driven into it.

Dr.C.Murukadas, The Times of India, November 9, 2011