Tools of the Trade: maps for sex workers and sex worker advocacy
From Maps4change
Project Abstract and Technical Requirements
By Tara
Audiences: Primary: Sex workers. Sex workers rights activists and allies. Those involved in feminist/queer activism in Delhi, India, and transnationally. Members of the general public. Secondary: Academics engaged in work regarding sex workers, sexuality, feminism.
Abstract: In light of recent appeals to the Delhi high court by sex workers to decriminalise sex work and in light of recent controversy regarding faulty contraceptives being given to sex workers in Delhi, I would like to make two maps. The first map will be a resource map of queer positive, hassle free, well run health centres, legal clinics, ngos, and other places that offer good information, support, and service to sex workers. This resource information will also map health care and social service providers who have been reported to be homophobic, moralistic, hostile, violent, or offering faulty services to sex workers. The second part of this project involves making a map that highlights GB Road in Delhi as a historical site. GB Road is one of the most historical streets known for sex work in the city. This map will be both historical and contemporary, drawing upon key figures, sites, moments of protest and violence that have taken place on GB Road from the colonial period to the present. This second map is aimed at creating a dialogue concerning the decriminalization of sex work in India.
Data: The data will firstly involve collecting information concerning resources that are available to sex workers in Delhi. This will involve information collection through NGOS, sex workers allies and activists, and of course through discussions and interviews with Delhi sex workers. The data collection for the second map will be gathered from archival research taken from scholarly books and contemporary news items. The second part of the project will also involve interviews with sex workers about GB Road that will hopefully be incorporated into the map through video and audio technology.
Map type: Dynamic, collaborative, customizable, open data (preferably)
Other media content: Images, video, and if possible sound.
Technical help required: The map will be a standard one of the street and surrounding areas. I am hoping that visually it will be possible to move the mouse over various bricks in the road, with information popping up along the way. As it is a map of one road, I am more interested in using the map to tell a story rather than geographical precision. As I have never worked with mapping technology before, I will need particular help linking images and text to the map. If it is feasible, I would also like to be able to link the map to sound clips (which will be interviews with sex workers). I have a strong background in data collection and many ideas for how to present a map that is visually stimulating. However, technically, I could use a lot of help!
The site: I have been in touch with HIV/AIDS and feminist organizations in Delhi about this project and they expressed interest so when the map is complete, I will post it on their websites. I will also post it on other related sites about sex work and sex workers rights in Delhi and throughout India. There is also the possibility in the future of linking the map to other ones of “red light” districts globally. Finally, print outs of maps will be distributed to sex workers throughout Delhi and on GB Road specifically.
Timeline: During the second workshop I solidified the aims and scope of the project. I was introduced to a variety of technology and skills that I will use in constructing these maps. Between now and workshop 3, I will complete the resource map. During workshop 3, I will work on the second map which involves learning how to make a visually rich map that uses images, video, and sound.
