In this episode of Ganetheya Dudimegagi Navu Manushyaru, RJ Radha speaks with Ratna.
Ratna was forced to marry two months after reaching puberty. She didn’t find any happiness in her marriage because she was her husband’s third wife, a piece of information she received only after going to her mother-in-law’s house in Hyderabad. Her mother-in-law and husband tortured and harassed her to no end. One day, while being pregnant and unable to tolerate this treatment anymore, she walked out seeking a divorce. She came to Bangalore but her parents and family refused to support her. She could manage only small jobs then and lived a lonely life after having delivered her baby. She came across a man who told her that he will take care of her; he started coming to her home weekly and giving her Rs. 500. This amount was meagre, so she started working at a brothel.
Ratna became pregnant again but her partner couldn’t bother less about the situation. She tried opting for an abortion but as her blood level was too low, the doctor advised against it. Today, in spite of being five months pregnant, she continues to be a sex worker. She is also looking out for any other kind of job.
Even after connecting with Swathi Manae, Ratna is unable to save any money as she goes for sex work only once a week. But she has become aware of HIV and goes for sex work only with condoms and undergoes regular HIV testing. Swathi Manae has provided assurance to take care of her and her baby after her delivery.
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