Did you know that India tops the rankings of the most dangerous countries for trafficking of women? This is surely something that should be a cause for concern for every Indian citizen. But what do we do about it? Priti Patkar has an answer.
Priti established ‘Prerana’ to bring a change in the career choice of the children of sex traffickers. She thinks education will bring all the difference in their lives by setting the chains loose.
Pravin Patkar and Priti Patkar began work in Mumbai’s red-light areas in 1986. They often were put into situations that made them think if it was worth “investing” in the education of these children. Did the mothers even care for their children was yet another question that would pop time and again. In spite of all these doubts, she went ahead to provide education to these children through camps, workshops and other activities.
In recognition of its efforts, Prerana has been selected for UNAIDS for its view to end second generation trafficking of children of red light area-based women. Prerana has shown clear results that if appropriate support systems are made available to the mother and the child, the formal education of the child sustains.
Perhaps not many people see the value in educating children of sex workers. But thankfully, Prerana did. And thanks to their efforts many of these children have been rehabilitated and now have the choice to pursue a different career path from their parents.
Perhaps that is the true worth of an education?
Let’s keep supporting these people with such courage to shout out for others suffering injustice in this world.
