Support for Commercial Sex Workers during Covid19

Hi all, Commercial Sex Workers (CSW) often work without unions and without legal protection. Their vulnerability is manifold and these are some ways in which we can support them.

1. Umbrella of CJP and Jimme Foundation

The Citizens for Justice and Peace and the Jimme Foundation are both marked on this poster discussing the need to support CSW during the pandemic.

2. Sangama Fundraiser in Karnataka, India

'Help Support a Rs 2000 monthly package for 500 homes of sexworkers and transpeople in Karnataka for April and May 2020

• To provide 350 family units of sexworkers and 150 transpeople whose livelihoods also depend on begging, with a monthly package of Rs 2000
• This will be for the months of April and May 2020.
• While half of this will be given in cash, the other half will be given as essential food rations for the home
• They have prioritised who with children, elderly dependents who are also most at risk for this disease and those who are living with HIV
• The two organisations who will help Sangama is distribution are Karnataka Sex Workers Union (KSWU) and Uttar Karnataka Mahila Ookutta (UKMO), who have been their long term partner collectives
• The region to be covered are Bangalore Rural, Hasan, Bidar, Yadgir, Ramnagara, Haveri, Gadag, Raichur, Koppala, Kolar, Chikmagalur and Uttar Kannada

Sangama is a non government organisation working for the rights of the working class, non english speaking gender and sexual minorities, sex workers and people living with HIV since 1999. (www.sangama.org).

During this pandemic of COVID-19 that has hit us, the worst affected are those whose lives and livelihoods are severely affected by the lockdown and physical distancing. Sex workers and Transpeople in our country have always been at the margins ignored and ostracized by society. Today, during this crisis they find it even harder to make ends meet and provide for those who are dependent on them.

Sangama has created a plan:

To help Sangama achieve this we need to support them to create a Solidarity Fund of Rs 20 lakh. That is Rs 2000 monthly for 500 people for 2 months.

(Your contributions to this campaign is exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act in India. Certificates will be sent via email.)'

ps: I'd like to remind you that while I get these messages from trustworthy sources, I have not personally vetted them and would recommend you do your homework while sending support. I have placed as many links as I can find for you to follow up!