The busy Budhwar Peth sector of Pune, famous for its electronic market during the day, changes when dusk falls to expose a radically different side: it is Asia’s biggest red-light district and is home to over 5,000 sex workers. Alka Gujnal stands out as a ray of light in this difficult atmosphere because she has dedicated her life to liberating these oppressed women and providing them with a road to respect and dignity.
The brutal reality of the red-light area colored Alka Gujnal’s childhood as she grew up among the overt solicitations and ostentatious façade of Budhwar Peth. Her career, however, took a different turn when she decided to pursue school, becoming the first female in her family to do so while defying expectations from her family and society.
Alka’s resolve to end the cycle of few possibilities sparked her interest in education. She persisted in spite of opposition from her alcoholic father and social expectations thanks to her mother’s continuous support. Alka recalled how her father tried to force her into an early marriage and burned her books, but Alka’s will remained unwavering. Her connection with her father changed at this critical juncture, setting the stage for years of distant communication.
Alka Gujnal has transformed lives for the last 20 years by focusing her power and tenacity in that direction. She works for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and has a post-graduate degree in social work. She provides advice and assistance to the community of sex workers. Her path has been focused on affecting these underprivileged women’s lives for the better.
Alka’s efforts go beyond only helping the ladies; she has also assisted their children’s schooling, held counseling sessions, and created safe places. As more children sought sanctuary, what started as a night creche in her own house transformed into a joint effort with an NGO. Her influence has helped these kids learn about their rights and limits as well as inspired them to seek education.
Alka Gujnal’s work is a testimony to the transforming power of compassion and education in a neighborhood defined by difficulties and shame. She imagines a day when these women may break free from the cycle of exploitation and discover opportunities for both economic and personal advancement.
