At least 200 sex workers in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu have formed an organisation to seek recognition and to protect their rights. The group is named Indra Female Peer Educators Collective or EFPEC.
Unlike some other states in India, the sex trade is illegal and prohibited in Tamil Nadu and is punishable with imprisonment and a fine.
In a socially conservative state where prostitution carries a strong stigma, this is considered to be a bold attempt at social reform. Full: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2629115.stm --- Sent from UnionMail Service [http://mail.union.org.za]