Indian sex workers face significant barriers in opening a bank account due to strict requirements for residential proof and a guarantor. It is puzzling that banks mandate a guarantor, who must be an existing account holder at the same bank, for account opening. Without a guarantor and with no official residential proof, many sex workers are unable to access banking services. This requirement further marginalizes those already living on the fringes of society, making it even harder for them to achieve financial stability.

Durbar Office

For a long time, sex workers faced immense difficulty in opening bank accounts, which prevented them from saving money securely. Their savings were often stolen—either by brothel owners or clients. To address this issue, Durbar advocated for policy changes to allow sex workers to open bank accounts without the need for a guarantor or formal residential proof. Despite these efforts, both the government and banks refused to make these changes. In response, Durbar sought a different solution: they requested permission from the government to establish a co-operative society specifically for sex workers. After significant effort and negotiation, they finally received approval to move forward with this initiative.

Seranna with the ladies working at the worksite

Durbar has now established a co-operative society exclusively for sex workers, with twelve thousand members saving their money through this system. This society operates much like a traditional bank, offering services such as loans and savings accounts. For sex workers who are confined to brothels and unable to visit the bank in person, Durbar’s staff travels from brothel to brothel to collect deposits. I had the chance to visit the bank and saw many sex workers managing their banking needs directly. This initiative has significantly benefited the community, providing not only a secure place for saving money but also access to loans when needed.

Production process

This development represents a major step forward in supporting the financial independence and empowerment of sex workers. In the same bank building, there’s a small shop dedicated to sex workers, offering daily essentials at prices lower than market rates. This shop is exclusive to sex workers, but it also features a section for items like toys and clothes created by sex workers, their children, or their family members. Seranna and I took the opportunity to shop there and were impressed by the concept. Additionally, Durbar has launched a factory that produces sanitary pads, employing only sex workers.

Final Product

This initiative is another remarkable effort by Durbar to support and empower the community. The combination of the bank, shop, and factory reflects the organization’s commitment to improving the lives of sex workers in innovative and impactful ways. The operation was impressively organized. Durbar had brought in an MBA professional to assist with launching their product in the market. Accompanied by Seranna and the camera crew, I had the opportunity to film at the factory, which was conveniently located at the entrance of Sonagachi, the red light district. At the factory, I observed about ten women working. Many of them appeared to be over 55 years old.

They explained that as they age, opportunities in the sex industry diminish, making it crucial for them to secure a stable income. The job at the factory provided them with much-needed financial stability. I found this project highly commendable, as it not only offers employment but also respects the dignity and contribution of these women.

A lady making Sanitary pads