From Victim to Activist
The long-standing practice of Indian temples that legitimised prostitution in the guise of religion, and the lady who stood up to it
The Devadasi system, which involves families sending their female children to temples as slaves to the deity, has been practised for a long time. However, while they were formerly regarded as a hallowed aspect of the temple, their standing has deteriorated over time, with the majority of them forced into prostitution to earn a livelihood. Along with this, people became considerably more vulnerable to sexually transmitted illnesses like HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and others, further degrading their standard of living.
Sitavva Joddati was one such girl, born in Kabbur village in Karnataka’s Belgaum district. She was the youngest of six daughters and was committed to a deity by her family at the age of seven; by the age of 17, she had three children. It was at this time that she realized the life she was living needed to be changed. She learned about self-help groups that tried to raise awareness in the Devadasi community. In 1997, she joined Mahila Abhivrudhi Samrakshana Sansthe (MASS). She became an active participant, ultimately growing in resolve and action to become the organization’s CEO. Since then, she has been an outspoken supporter of women’s empowerment.
The states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are home to the majority of the Devadasi community in India. During the 1980s, several states passed the Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Acts. Even yet, it persists in less-surveilled rural regions. Sexually transmitted illnesses are inextricably linked to the Devadasi system. According to one study, devadasis women are more likely to be HIV positive than the national norm for sex workers.
One of the primary causes of STDs is a lack of access to comprehensive sexual health education and medical care among Devadasis. Devadasis may find it difficult to obtain healthcare services such as STD testing and treatment, as well as education on sexual health, particularly safe sex practices, due to their frequent marginalization and prejudice. Furthermore, the social stigma associated with Devadasi activities and sex work may discourage individuals from seeking medical assistance, leading to untreated or inadequately controlled STDs. STDs have serious and multifaceted implications among devadasis.
Devadasis who get STDs may experience a variety of physical health problems, including vaginal ulcers, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and reproductive consequences, including infertility. They may also suffer psychological suffering as a result of the stigma, humiliation, and prejudice that comes with having an STD. Furthermore, STDs can have a substantial economic impact on Devadasis, as they may experience income loss owing to sickness and decreased demand for their services.