Sex workers, demand dignity, respect

Demanding respect and dignity at their workplace hundreds of sanitation workers, migrant workers, domestic helpers and sex workers descended on Majestic area for a massive demonstration on May Day on Wednesday.

Joining together under the banner ‘Bevaru’ (Sweat), the workers put up posters depicting their plight and harassment at the workplace.

Interestingly, according to the organisers, this was for the first time that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike declared holiday on May Day for both the temporary workers as well as those who are on the payrolls.

Ekta of Maraa, a media and arts collective which was one of the organisers of the demonstration, said the event aligning with the Labour Day was planned at Majestic area as most of these workers
work in the vicinity and it would be easier for them to participate and seek public attention.

“A worker, regardless of the kind of work, not only works for money but also command respect,” Ekta commented.

The workers registered their dissent against the abusive nature of the police personnel and harassment by their supervisors at companies.