Seven years ago, Nirupa* came to Chennai from Nepal in search of better opportunities. What she actually got was the job of a sex worker. When she was detained under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956, and sent to the Government Vigilance Home, Santhome, Nirupa was pregnant.
She gave birth to a baby boy at the home and was reluctant to go outside, as she feared that the pimps would harm her baby. But she was sent to the Madras Christian Council for Social Work (MCCSW) for safety and rehabilitation.
Nirupa now works at a well-known salon in the city and recently purchased a piece of land to build a home. “I want to create a better life for myself and my son. I am not scared any more,” she said.
Rukmini* too has a similar story to share, only that she was trafficked into prostitution by her boyfriend. She now works at MCCSW to rehabilitate and reintegrate rescued sex workers with their families.
“My son’s education is my priority. I want to create a meaningful life for both of us,” she said.
*Names changed to protect identity
