Balancing risk and resilience: Amplifying the voices of the children and mothers in Kalighat red light area

Abstract

Background

Irrespective of the surrounding debate on the morality of sex work as a profession, academia has largely overlooked the toxic and violent environment that surrounds the children of female sex workers in red light areas. For instance, the existing literature seems to be only driven by objectives (and often in singularity) like access to education, models of family and care, and not paying enough attention to the voices of the children, their experiences wants and desires.

Objective

The study aimed to amplify the voices of the children of the Kalighat red light area, gain a holistic understanding of the challenges they face, and plan and implement interventions that prioritize their well-being. In the process, it also delves deep into understanding how female sex workers (who are also mothers) protect their children from the pervasive violence faced in their setting.

Participants and setting

The study includes 10 consenting children (aged between 12 and 17) and 5 female sex workers from the Kalighat red light area in West Bengal, India.

Methods

The researcher conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with the children of female sex workers and carried out in-depth interviews with the female sex workers themselves.

Results

The findings of the study uncover six themes namely, Unveiling Hidden Trauma; Barriers to Education and Social Mobility in Kalighat Red Light Area; Challenges in Establishing Personal Boundaries; Self-Awareness and Personal Agency as a Coping Mechanism; Adaptive Resilience and Coping Strategies; and Vigilance and Long-Term Planning.

Conclusion

The voices of children in the Kalighat red light area illuminate the pressing need for holistic interventions.