September 19, 2025

Inside the heart of Sonagachi, Kolkata’s famous red-light district, a striking poster reads, “Only rights can stop the wrong.” This simple message, hanging in the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee (DMSC) office, tells a powerful tale of struggle and strength. On July 15, DMSC celebrated its 30th birthday—a journey filled with courage, fights, and hope. DMSC started its mission in 1992, handing out condoms to fight HIV/AIDS after a health survey led by Dr. Samarjit Jana. What made them different? They asked for permission before testing and trusted the women’s voices. Over the years, DMSC grew into a strong protector of sex workers’ rights, including transgender members. They refuse to let outsiders speak for them. Sonagachi, meaning “golden tree,” got its name from the huge money men spent here. Yet, despite its fame, the area bears heavy stigma. Sex workers are still barred from joining regular Durga Puja celebrations. When they tried in 2013 to start their own festival, they faced violent protests. But the Calcutta High Court backed their right, letting them celebrate indoors—a small but fierce victory. About 12,000 women live in Sonagachi, stacked in narrow lanes and multi-storey brothels like matchboxes. Another 28,000 are linked with DMSC across West Bengal. Life here hasn’t been easy. Violence by drunken customers and neighborhood goons is a common fear. A young woman said, “Babus get drunk or high on substances, get angry, and take it out on us. Other girls have to intervene when the violence gets out of hand.” Despite hardships, these women have won basics like ration cards, bank accounts, and more. The USHA Cooperative, one of Asia’s first financial cooperatives for women, grew from this struggle. Bishakha Laskar, DMSC’s secretary, clears up a big misunderstanding: “It is a misconception that every sex worker is trafficked. The authorities and society use this narrative to discriminate against us.” She says many women choose this profession to support their families. Her solution? Decriminalize sex work. DMSC has even helped rescue and support over 2,000 women who did not enter the trade by choice. Take Rima Mondal, who came to Sonagachi at 15 with just ₹20. She fought many battles—from forced sex to violence—but also empowered herself and others. "No one came to feed me when I was struggling on an empty stomach. They have no right to judge my life choices now," she declares proudly. Another powerful voice is Priyanka Kar, a woman in her 50s who has balanced marriage, family, and sex work for decades. She endured abuse and stigma but found dignity when her daughter’s in-laws respected her choices. "I tried to kill myself when my family questioned my morality and work," she admits. Yet today, she beams with hope. Experts like Kingshuk Sarkar from the Goa Institute of Management say, “Sex workers need to be included in India's existing labour laws to normalise their work and stop human rights violations.” After all, “We all use our body parts to do work, then why is sex work different?” echoes the common voice from Sonagachi. The women here want respect, safety, and legal rights. Their stories are painted in the narrow lanes through their courage and songs like, “Gotor khatiye khai; sramiker adhikar chai” (I work hard for my bread; I demand workers’ rights). Their fight is far from over but shines brightly, like the golden tree after a fresh monsoon rain. West Bengal's Minister of Women and Child Development, Shashi Panja, is seen at many DMSC meetings, helping reduce stigma. Yet, many women prefer to stay anonymous for fear of backlash. Behind every door in Sonagachi is a woman with a story—a story of strength, survival, and the dream for true rights.

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Tags: Durbar mahila samanwaya committee, Sex workers rights, Sonagachi, Hiv/aids, West bengal, Labor rights,