The COVID-19 pandemic was harsh on all of us irrespective of our socio-economic backgrounds. For some, survival during the lockdowns wasn’t easy and seeking help was the only option which too wasn’t acknowledged well.
COVID-19 aftermath, 2020: Bengaluru sex workers suffer starvation, violence
Post COVID-19 lockdown, sex workers in Bengaluru struggled for survival. Loss of livelihood made them even more vulnerable to violence and destitution.
Bengaluru’s sex workers didn’t get ration kits or financial aid during the lockdown despite the government’s promises. Stigma, absence of a cohesive community, lack of documents, etc., prevented them from accessing support.
While several urban issues related to education, water, infrastructure, governance, public health and the environment made it to the news, even headlines, the plight of sex workers in Bengaluru was almost unnoticed. Annam Suresh, an independent journalist reported on the difficulties faced by sex workers in Bengaluru.
In a two-part series published in 2020, Annam reported on sex workers in Bengaluru who were facing starvation and violence due to the COVID-19 lockdown. The article recognised by Laadli reported on why Bengaluru’s sex workers haven’t been able to access aid and support, and how this could change.
Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity 2021 (Regional)
On November 19, 2021, the 11th edition of the Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity 2021 (Regional) were presented to 98 winners from across India who represented 10 languages.
These annual awards promote gender sensitivity in Indian media. The awards were given in presence of Faye D’Souza, Independent Journalist, Sriram Haridass, Country Representative of UNFPA, and Vanshika Jaral.
Annam Suresh received recognition in the category “Web, Jury Appreciation Citation, English” for her article Why Bengaluru sex workers couldn’t get ration kits during lockdown published in November 2020 on Citizen Matters, Bengaluru.
Read Annam’s full article here:
About Annam Suresh
Annam Suresh, an independent journalist reported on the difficulties faced by sex workers in Bengaluru. Her work spanning over 25 years has brought her several awards including the Calderwood Non-fiction Grant, Laadli Regional and National Award for Gender Sensitivity, Chameli Devi Jain Award, Brief Media Award, Hunger Foundation Prize, NFI Media Fellowship and The Statesman Rural Reporting Award (twice).
Read Annam’s work for Citizen Matters Bengaluru here.
The entire team of Citizen Matters and the Oorvani Foundation congratulates Annam on receiving this prestigious recognition!