12 commercial sex workers granted voting rights ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Commercial sex workers from Mormugao taluka celebrate as 12 among them secure voting rights ahead of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections in the state. Among 27 applicants, 12 successfully made it to the voter’s list, supported by the legal advisor of ARZ, Ashlesha Tandel, who assisted in form-filling and document procurement.

Arun Pandey, the founder of ARZ, highlighted the challenges faced by sex workers in providing compulsory documents due to their unique living situations. Pandey urged compassion from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the central government, emphasizing the right to vote as integral to dignity.

The rejected applications, totalling 15, faced document-related issues, prompting calls for personal verification by a BLO in the ARZ office. Pandey stressed that denying voting rights equates to denying dignity.

Among the 12 enfranchised sex workers, five are first-time voters, with seven facing re-registration post the demolition of their shanties at Baina. Despite facing exploitation and dependency, these women now have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.

An educational camp organized by ARZ aimed at empowering sex workers with voting knowledge, reflecting the NGO's commitment to marginalized communities' inclusion in democratic processes. Arun Pandey emphasized that voting rights enhance the lives of sex workers, making them eligible for government schemes and recognizing their status as marginalized individuals.

Previously, the NGO facilitated voter enrollment for 40 sex workers and 28 transgender individuals during the 2022 assembly elections, highlighting the broader efforts towards inclusive democracy.