Policy

Ashodaya Samithi is a sex workers’ organization comprising of female, male and transgender sex workers across six districts of Karnataka, India with membership of over 8000 sex workers. Currently we are also the Secretariat of the All India Network of Sex workers. We work with all key stakeholders like the police, media, healthcare providers etc., to address violation of human rights of sex workers and advocate strongly for decriminalization of sex work. Ashodaya Samithi recognizes vulnerabilities of all marginalized people including sexual minorities that result in violations of their rights. It initiates discussions among such communities as well as people in the mainstream society and policy makers and envisions that affirmative action through dialogue and exchange would result in empowerment of such marginalized populations and reclaim their social position in the society. Ashodaya Samithi envisions a society where marginalized populations can enjoy all rights as citizens of the nation; where the society recognizes their capacity and thus provides space for enjoying economic, social and political benefits as enshrined in the constitution of the country. Ashodaya Samithi would strive to create a society where there is cooperation instead of confrontation, tolerance instead of violence and inclusion instead of discrimination.

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