Socio-economic study of life and conditions of female sex workers in Manipur (the present research paper is extract from minor research project, UGC/NERO/2011–12)

Manipur is a small state among the seven North-Eastern States in India. The geographical area covers 22,327 sq. Kms and a population of 27, 21, 756. There are nine districts, 31 community blocks and 2182 villages. The average literacy rate is 79.21% for male 80.06 and 71.73% for females. The per capita income of Manipur is Rs. 29,684/-against Rs. 54,835/-for all India. Most of the female sex workers come from the lower socio-economic rung of the ladder. The density of population is 122 according to 2011 census and sex ratio is 987 females per 1000 males. A female sex worker (FSW) is a female person who works in the sex industry. The term is used in reference to all those in all areas of the sex industry including those who provide direct sexual services as well as the staff of such industries. Despite its comparatively high literacy rate for women, infrastructures for development are practically non-existent in Manipur. and the percentage of educated unemployed is on the rise. The present figure standing at 7, 04,156. Faced with lack of total absence of opportunities for sustainable livelihood, accentuated by recent ethnic classes which have decimated many breadwinners of the family because of death, injury, migration. The present study would try to focus on the socio-economic conditions and life style of FSWs in Manipur.