In this article, Joanne Csete and Meena Saraswathi Seshu discuss the nature of human rights abuses faced by women in prostitution and describe impediments to reducing those abuses. The authors suggest measures that would help to advance the human rights of women in prostitution and to create an environment conducive to the realization of their crucial role in combating HIV/AIDS.
This article is based in part on “The Violence of Stigmatization,” an essay prepared by Ms Seshu, based on her experience working with women in prostitution in central India.