nCoV aid for Sonagachhi sex workers

Shared from The Times of India - 18 August 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has made life difficult for all sections of society, but things have turned particularly tough for sex workers at Sonagachhi. Deepika Social Welfare Society (DSWS), that has been working with the women there for nearly 20 years, has again come to their aid. Apart from spreading awareness among them, DSWS also distributes relief material to the women on a regular basis.

“Under founder-director Ambika Pandey, DSWS has had a positive impact on the lives at Sonagachhi and helped many women to exit the profession and take up other means of livelihood through training at our vocational unit. We have provided a shelter for high-risk and rescued girl, where they receive education, self-defence training and life skills,” said assistant director Jyoti Mandapaka.

For the last three months, dry rations and other essentials like masks and hand sanitizers are being distributed to 85 families. A team from DSWS also regularly communicates with the women and their children to help them overcome the stress associated with the present situation.