APSCPCR Unveils Plan for Children of Sex Workers

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) member Dr J Rajendra Prasad stated that the commission would develop a two-pronged strategy to protect the rights of the children of commercially sexually exploited women and address various issues faced by their children in the state.

Dr Rajendra Prasad, along with APSCPCR members B Padmavathi and Adi Lakshmi, launched the study report titled ‘Situation of Education and Vulnerability of Children of Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation in AP’. This study was conducted by APSCPCR in collaboration with the HELP NGO on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rajendra Prasad said that, firstly, facilities should be provided for the second generation, that is, children of sex workers who are currently staying with their parents. This includes both the current generation and those adolescents over 15 years old, to impart life skills and vocational training, thus facilitating livelihoods until they can stand on their own. The APSCPCR is committed to developing a constructive action plan for this purpose.

Acharya Nagarjuna University Department of Social Work Professor Dr Saraswathi Raju Ayyar, who undertook the study said that the findings of the study revealed that, the children of sex workers are out of the school because of prevailing social stigma and discrimination by other children among schools and in society.

B. Padmavathi suggested that it would be more effective if the children of sex workers were covered under the AP State AIDS Control Society’s Targeted Interventions, with a focus on education, mental health, nutrition, and child development interventions, while also providing support services for their mothers.

HELP Secretary Rammohan Nimma Raju, Department of Education Nodal Officer M Soma Sekhar and others participated.