Life for Mumbai’s prostitutes: Forced into prostitution
Girls as young as seven – forced into prostitution: some locked in tiny cages for months on end to stop them running away. This is the awful reality in Mumbai – one of Asia’s biggest red light districts.

Mumbai, India’s financial capital, harbors one of the largest red-light districts in Asia—Kamathipura. Behind the bustling streets lies a harsh reality for thousands of women and girls who are forced into prostitution, often against their will. Their stories paint a grim picture of exploitation, violence, and resilience.
The Journey into Prostitution
Many women in Mumbai’s red-light districts are trafficked from rural India, neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh, or impoverished regions across Asia. They are often lured with promises of legitimate jobs, education, or marriage. Once in the city, they are sold to brothel owners and subjected to physical and psychological abuse until they comply.
A significant number of these women are minors. According to a report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India sees thousands of cases of human trafficking annually, with many victims ending up in the sex trade. The lack of economic opportunities, patriarchal structures, and systemic poverty contribute to the vulnerability of these women and girls.
Life in the Red-Light District
The conditions in Mumbai’s brothels are deplorable. Women are forced to serve multiple clients daily, often in cramped, unhygienic spaces. Health issues, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and mental health disorders, are rampant. Many women lack access to medical care or support services.
Stigma compounds their suffering. Prostitutes in Mumbai face social ostracism, making it nearly impossible for them to leave the trade and reintegrate into society. This societal judgment extends to their children, who are often denied education and opportunities due to their mothers’ profession.
Efforts for Rescue and Rehabilitation
Numerous NGOs and activists work tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate these women. Organizations like Prerana, Rescue Foundation, and Apne Aap Women Worldwide provide shelter, legal aid, and vocational training to survivors. Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Rescue operations are often met with resistance from brothel owners, and legal systems can be slow to prosecute traffickers.
The Indian government has implemented laws to combat human trafficking and forced prostitution, including the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA). However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and corruption often undermines efforts to dismantle trafficking networks.
Recent Developments and Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the plight of sex workers in Mumbai. With lockdowns halting business, many women were left without income or access to basic necessities. Relief efforts by NGOs helped mitigate some of the suffering, but the crisis highlighted the precarious existence of these women.
Additionally, debates around the legalization of prostitution in India have gained traction. Advocates argue that legalization could improve working conditions, ensure access to healthcare, and protect women from exploitation. Opponents fear it may legitimize trafficking and increase demand for forced labor.
The Path Forward
Life for Mumbai’s prostitutes is a testament to systemic failures in addressing poverty, gender inequality, and human trafficking. While rescue and rehabilitation efforts provide hope, a broader approach is needed. This includes strengthening law enforcement, providing economic opportunities for vulnerable populations, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate exploitation.
As Mumbai continues to grow as a global metropolis, the stories of its most marginalized residents cannot be ignored. Addressing their plight is not only a moral imperative but also a step toward a more equitable society.
Interview with Hazel Thompson:
