The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson, Swati Maliwal today equated prostitution with rape.
The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson, Swati Maliwal today equated prostitution with rape and said that society's attitude towards the issue was unacceptable, as it supports "rape" of sex workers.
Terming it a "blot" on the society, she stressed on the need for a stronger response by the government to put an end to the problem.
Around six lakh condoms are reportedly distributed in Delhi's red light area of GB Road every month, Ms Maliwal said, "Six lakh condoms means six lakh rapes we are allowing in Delhi... And the figure could be much more as the cases of minor girls are not reported. Strangely, I found that it is being accepted by people in a way."
The 30-year-old also said, "I have spoken to a lot of people about it after visiting G B Road, and they said if you get the red light area closed, rapes will increase. I condemn such mindset."
Appointed as the chief of women's commission by the Aam Aadmi Party government last month, Ms Maliwal is hopeful of the state government launching a Trafficking Committee of the DCW that will work together with the Centre, state and NGOs on the issues related to trafficking.
Talking about the condition of the protection homes, where girls are lodged after being rescued, Ms Maliwal said, "I have heard that the condition of the Protection Home is so bad that sometimes rescued girls want to go back to G B Road... Also, the Superintendents don't get changed in 25 years, which indicates a big nexus. We will work on these aspects and submit our recommendations and pursue them till they are accepted."
In order to check exploitation of domestic helps, the DCW is planning to launch a drive for inspection of all placement agencies in Delhi, find out if they are registered, and seek record of girls looking for jobs through them.