Sex workers trained to make notebooks

New Delhi: Taking a step forward to improve the lives of the sex workers of GB Road, students of Delhi University’s Satyawati College have been training them to make notebooks under their project “NavJeevan”. The members of Enactus Satyawati, who call these sex workers “didi” aim at helping them lead a dignified life without the stigma of prostitution.

Project “NavJeevan”, as the name depicts “bestowing a new life”, was started in the year 2013 in association with the NGO Kat-katha, which has been working in the Delhi largest red light district since 10 years.

“The sex workers trapped in the brothels lack self-confidence to be able to quit the profession at their own discretion. This is where we aim to constitute workmanship efficiency in didis through notebook making. This will not only provide them with a new way to gain economic stability but, pave a path which will help them enter the mainstream world from their present marginalised state,” Enactus Satyawati said.

The notebooks are made from the recycled paper and this recycled paper is made from the waste paper, collected from schools and other permanent tie-ups, which is further sent to the team’s waste recycling partner “Green-O-Tech” for recycling.

“These notebooks are not just mere objects as each notebook tells the story of every “didi’s” inner resolve and their trepidations,” the team said. The notebooks are sold at 30 per cent less than the market price through product diversification and more than 3000 “Navjeevan” notebooks are sold every month

Besides providing training in notebook making, Enactus Satyawati also imparts vocational training to these women in stitching and technology.