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This is an archive article published on October 31, 2024

Urging sex workers to exercise their franchise, PMC holds voter awareness rally in Budhwar Peth

The PMC initiative ahead of Maharashtra Assembly elections was prompted by the low voter turnout of 41 per cent recorded in the previous poll.

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PMCHundreds of women participated in the rally, encouraging their peers and community members to cast their votes.

The Social Development Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) organised a rally on Tuesday in the Budhwar Peth red-light area under the Kasba constituency to raise voter awareness ahead of the Maharastra Assembly elections.

The initiative was prompted by the low voter turnout of 41 per cent in the previous election, sparking efforts to encourage participation among women engaged in sex work in the area.

The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from women involved in sex work, who committed to increasing voter turnout this time. Alka Gujnal, the group coordinator from the PMC Social Development Department, organised the event. PMC and Election Commission officials were present.

PMC The rally spanned the entire Budhwar Peth area, delivering a powerful message of civic duty and voter participation.

Hundreds of women participated in the rally, encouraging their peers and community members to cast their votes. The rally spanned the entire Budhwar Peth area, delivering a powerful message of civic duty and voter participation.

Alka Gujnal highlighted the importance of women involved in sex work being aware of their right to vote, noting that they often exhibit little interest in the electoral process. “Approximately 1,000 to 1,200 women have voting rights in this red-light area, primarily those registered within this constituency, excluding those from other states,” she stated.

“It is crucial to raise voting awareness among individuals, as they are integral to society and deserve recognition and inclusion,” Gujnal added.

Shubham Tigga
Shubham Tigga

Shubham Tigga hails from Chhattisgarh and studied journalism at the Asian College of Journalism. He previously reported in Chhattisgarh on Indigenous issues and is deeply interested in covering socio-political, human rights, and environmental issues in mainland and NE India. Presently based in Pune, he reports on civil aviation, other transport sectors, urban mobility, the gig economy, commercial matters, and workers' unions. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More

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