First state convention of the children of sex workers
Amra Padatik, an organisation of the children of sex workers in West Bengal, works for the rights and development of the children of sex workers. It is the only organization by and for the children of sex workers. The day was dedicated to the pioneer of the sex workers rights movement, our respected late Dr. Smarajit Jana. To establish child rights and increase public awareness, we are organizing the first state convention of the children of sex workers for 3 long days (from 11th March 2024 till 13th March 2024) at Darji Para Park in North Kolkata.
The programme started with a graceful dance performance conducted by Komal Gandhar, a cultural wing. Mrs. Shashi Panja, Minister of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare of West Bengal inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp. In her speech she appreciated the initiative taken by Amra Padatik to organize their first youth state convention. She also added that she respects the passion and commitment of the sex worker’s community. She also inaugurated the coaching centre named ‘Break the Barriers’ for the children of sex workers at Sonagachi.
Whereas, Debasish Kumar, President of South Kolkata District Trinamool Congress Committee has given his words on the rights of children of sex workers. He made a point of emphasizing that nothing comes to us for free and that we must fight for what we want. He clearly stated that only the empowerment can emphasize their rights in the community.
There were many respected guests attended the program including Mr. Debasish Kumar, Mrs. Sathi Mitra, Daughter in Law of MLA Mr. Madan Mitra; Mr. Mohan Kumar Gupta, Counselor of Ward No.17; Ms. Debjani Ghosh, Advocate, Calcutta High Court; Sujoy Kumar Chanda, Joint Commissioner of Police (Govt. of West Bengal).
Focusing on Indian law and women’s and children’s rights, Mrs. Sathi Mitra says that awareness is the only thing that can close the knowledge gap and improve the life and livelihood of the people. Sujoy Kumar Chanda has appraised the initiatives taken by the Amra Padatik for the holistic developments of the children of sex workers. He says that our Indian law system has established for the rights of children and women but it can only be implemented when we are being aware of the systems or our rights. Ms. Satabdi Saha in her speech said about the report drafted by Amra Padatik to submit in the UNCRC. The main objective of the report is to tell the story and inform the UNCRC about the condition, needs and rights violations faced by the children of sex workers. The program ended with a gala cultural programs which was enjoyed by the audiences present in the program. Approximately 500 community members including children, youths and sex workers were present in the program.