Challenges Faced by Female Commercial Sex Workers in Puducherry, India: A Qualitative Inquiry. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Swathisha, P.; Deb, Sibnath
• Is Part Of: Indian journal of gender studies. Volume 29:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 258
• Page End: 272
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Commercial sex work -- female sex worker -- challenges -- Puducherry; Women's studies -- India -- Periodicals; Women in development -- India -- Periodicals; 305.40954
• DOI: 10.1177/09715215221082180
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0971-5215

Abstract

Sex work is considered one of the oldest professions in the world. In India, selling sex in private is legal, while all other activities related to sex work, such as pimping, brothel-keeping, are considered to be illegal. Despite their vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, the research has been less focused on the other challenges faced by sex workers. This article aims to understand the major challenges faced by female commercial sex workers (CSWs) through a qualitative study covering 15 CSWs who work in Puducherry Union Territory in South India. The data were collected by using an in-depth interview guide, and the case study method. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The article discusses in detail the challenges CSWs face in terms of economical, psychological and social spheres of their lives.