Sonagachi can arguably claim the title of the biggest red-light area in Asia. It is also where the sex workers are the best educated to look after their own wellbeing.
As this AFPTV video shows, sex workers in Sonagachi are fighting for better work conditions, access to health care, and a pension. There are many critics who see more danger agreeing to such demands.
They warn that the measures would be tantamount to legalizing the taboo industry, but health advocates say the initiative would help fight the deadly AIDS epidemic and stamp out under-age prostitution.
In the past Sonagachi has seen several pathbreaking efforts that shot into prominence as front-page news including Melinda Gates’ visit here.
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