Sex workers shoot their miseries

Patna: The sex workers in Bihar's Muzaffarpur are eagerly learning a new profession - photography.

Their pictures tell the story of a struggle, the struggle of these women to discover a new way of life.

Says a sex worker, Razia Begum, " We have never held a camera in our hands. We were a little hesitant initially but then I clicked all the photos in half an hour."

These enthusiastic women hit the streets every morning, capturing on film, anything that fascinates them.

Says another sex worker, Rani, "I love capturing the evils of society."

These women are being trained to use cameras, as part of an initiative by a local NGO. The organisers hope the training will help them find employment in photo studios.

Says the program coordinator, Sabnam, "Even though we are sex workers, we could also be journalists and photographers."

The plan seems to be getting a fair amount of support from local newspapers too.

Says a journalist, Omkareshwar Pandey, " Our newspaper has decided to publish their photographs."

Many of these women have become prostitutes due to abject poverty. They hope that these colour photographs they take can also help bring some colour back into their lives.

(With inputs from Vivek Chandra in Muzaffarpur)

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