India’s prostitution villages | DW Documentary

Sex work is a way of life for thousands of women in marginalized communities in certain parts of rural India. For many, it is the only way to make money - also due to the Indian caste system and centuries-old prejudices which make it difficult for the families to escape poverty. But winds of change are blowing.

In certain Indian villages, sex work is, in a sense, inherited. Mothers and grandmothers have already worked in the same trade. In the past, they mostly belonged to ethnic groups that worked mainly as performers. The British colonial power criminalized them, and to this day it is especially difficult for the men of these ethnic groups to find regular jobs. Therefore, the female members of the family are often the breadwinners. They are the ones who take out loans, build houses, make important decisions, which is otherwise rare in India. Our reporters Akanksha Saxena and Neerat Kaur looked around the villages - and found signs of hope: The young generation is trying to leave this sad tradition behind and fight for better education and rights.

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[mystorey]

-Trapped by tradition-
Don't call it "TRADITION"
Trapped by systemized oppression

[johndewey]

I cannot believe in the 21st century we are still talking about a caste system and discrimination that victimizes women and children. Why is the government of India not doing enough? Respect the teacher and the NGOs that are stepping in and making a difference.

[xgtdgge]

‘To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all’ - Oscar Wilde

[Cationna]

"It was by choice, as it allows her to support her family" what this means is "I saw no other choice to be able to support my family".

[arethagrassi]

My heart breaks for these girls and their families. Education is the freedom that the rich don't want the poor to find.

[Seevawonderloaf]

This is absolutely tragic. No one should be forced into this. How do you refuse to stand next to someone but are happy to sleep with them? Hypocrisy is ripe

[njaalsturlasson]

This moved me. Seeing those young girls in class learning to read and write smiling and looking happy brought tears to my eyes.

[Universal_Chutzpah]

Caste system is like a curse on our Indian society.It's better to get rid of this evil as soon as possible .Our govt is not doing enough for these people & as a society we have failed these
fellow citizens.

[PapaTanGhstNIhtMRSnMaInSt]

Annand Kumar, Gundu Nager and the other teachers featured in this film are the heroes helping to get children educated and out of poverty.

[tamiksmods]

I teared watching this... These women are so strong to be taking up this role as a breadwinner. May God protect them and provide for them in a better way.

[boomboomciao]

Why the billionaire of india can splurge so much unnecessary $ for their wedding but cant give abit to help their citizens?

[WXRBL]

multiple Indians I met here in Canada told me 'the Caste system no longer exists in modern India', and they complained about the college reserve spots for 'lower caste'.

[nehashaikh]

Ironic how mainstream Indian media will never show such on ground stories even in their dreams, yet they will have the audacity to call foreign media companies as "enemies". I wish these people come out of poverty and live a truly content life ❤

[TwinBleaks]

Awesome that that teacher remained in his community to try and make a difference.

[curiosityKri]

I am happy the man teached himself some important life skills and is educating the younger generation of women. I hope these families can break out of their poverty and this type of work as fast as possible😭
The whole caste system and the British power in the past is absolutely infuriating! 😠

[crempuii]

The girl feeling deep responsibilities for her family is really sad😢 somebody help this community

[rayveti]

Thought provoking documentary, and those women are very brave to share their lived and living experiences. Well done DW 👏🏽

[zenastronomy]

so they changed her name for the show but didn't blur her face?

i don't understand the logic

[dzxsiec]

Changed the name for privacy, then shows her face 🤦

[lnjgfjh]

Salute to those who take practical steps to fix social ills.
Regardless of beliefs, nation, country...