Kolkata sex workers rally for equality, social status

About 3,000 sex workers joined the rally that started from College Square and ended near Esplanade in central Kolkata Monday evening.

"All sex workers of Sonagachi area (Kolkata's infamous red light area) and their children participated in the rally and they demanded social recognition for their profession," said Mrinal Kanti Dutta of Dubar Mahila Samanwaya Committee, an NGO that undertakes several welfare projects.

"When the government is placing its historic bill in the two houses of parliament with the promise to reserve 33 percent legislative seats for women, these sex workers are entirely deprived of their basic rights," said Dutta.