The Netflix series Heeramandi, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, explores the lives of courtesans in pre-Independence India, shedding light on the struggles and resilience of sex workers. It emphasises their mental health challenges, which continue to be relevant today.

Reasons Behind Mental Health Challenges Faced by Sex Workers

• Stigma and Social Exclusion: Sex workers face societal rejection, preventing them from seeking help and accessing rights, worsening their mental health. 
  • For instance, they often struggle to find rented accommodation due to the stigma surrounding their profession. 
• Violence and Abuse: Sex workers endure physical, emotional, and sexual violence, leading to trauma and conditions like PTSD, severely affecting their emotional well-being.
• Economic Pressures: Many enter sex work due to financial instability, causing chronic stress, insecurity, and poor mental health due to unpredictable income.
• Substance Abuse: To cope with stress and trauma, sex workers often turn to drugs or alcohol, worsening mental health and creating a cycle of addiction and isolation.

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Way Forward

• Address Root Causes: Focus on reducing stigma, providing economic opportunities, and preventing violence through targeted interventions.
• Mental Health Programs: Scale up initiatives like data-driven mental health databases and peer support networks. Research and co-design interventions with sex workers to enhance well-being.
  • For example, in Sonagachi, Kolkata, a mental health database project aims to provide targeted interventions by using data-driven solutions tailored to the specific mental health needs of sex workers.
• Legal and Policy Support: Ensure legal protections, policies against violence, and access to safe spaces. 

Conclusion

Sex workers’ mental health needs urgent attention. A multifaceted approach involving legal protection, mental health services, economic opportunities, and anti-stigma policies is essential to addressing the challenges faced by this marginalised community.

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