40 sex workers join session on self-esteem, mental well-being
A small hall of a multi-storey brothel in Delhi’s red-light area, Garstin Bastion Road, popularly known as GB Road, became an unlikely venue for a session on mental health and self-worth when about 40 sex workers paused their daily routines and gathered for the sitting. During the two-hour session, the hall echoed with affirmations such as “Main khud ke liye garv mehsoos karti hoon” (I feel proud of myself).
Handling between 15 and 20 customers a day and often under the influence of intoxicants, these moments provide them with a scarce respite and an opportunity to laugh.
In the hall, which has five small enclosures, each measuring 3 feet by 5 feet, used by the women to sleep and carry out their work, the sex workers — aged between 20 and 50 — were asked to write their names on sheets marked with different emojis to symbolise their moods.
“These women struggle to write their names. Most of them have little understanding of what constitutes a crime against them. Their internalised trauma has made them numb to physical pain,” said an NGO worker who counsels them regularly. The programme was led by Sub-Inspector Kiran, popularly known as ‘Lady Singham’, who heads the All-Women Police Post (Mahila Police Chowki) at GB Road, in collaboration with an NGO.
The Mahila Police Chowki has, since its inception in February 2024 as one of the first two all-women police posts in the city, emerged as a quiet yet powerful space for empowerment in an area that houses hundreds of multi-storey brothels and over 1,000 sex workers.
The police post has been running regular skill development and awareness programmes aimed at helping women from economically weaker sections move towards self-reliance.
Coaching classes, makeup artist training, sewing courses, cooking sessions, aerobics, and counselling are among the initiatives conducted on the first floor of the police post. Other activities include embroidery, bag-making, pot-making, and creative exposure through film-related initiatives.
Self-defence and awareness sessions are also held regularly. On March 22, around 50 women participated in a police-led programme where they were sensitised about their rights.
Educational activities are conducted for children in the area as well, benefiting over 50 girls with basic education and introductory computer knowledge.
Health and hygiene form a key component of the initiative. Regular health camps have been organised since 2023, benefiting both sex workers and residents. Nearly 500 individuals have been provided with spectacles, while dental check-ups are conducted with support from Maulana Azad Dental Hospital. Awareness on hygiene, including the distribution of sanitary napkins and guidance on safe practices, is also carried out.
Mental health counselling is offered for nearly 20 days a month at a dedicated counselling room within the police chowki. De-addiction awareness campaigns and psychological assessments are also part of the outreach.
