The St.John’s Academy of Health Sciences will host a thought-provoking exhibition named ‘Mental Health at the Margins’ on July 21 and 22 in Bengaluru. 

Developed and created by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) in collaboration with the sex worker community of Bengaluru, the exhibition will delve into health, agency and rights, identity and violence, and other aspects that impact the mental health of sex workers. 

By drawing upon oral and artefactual testimonies from a group of sex workers, the exhibition aims to give voice to those whose experiences have often been overlooked in the mental health discourse. These real-life stories, intertwined with legal and policy documents, present a compelling narrative that seeks to bridge the gap between the lives of sex workers and the broader society.

Sex workers, especially women, carry a heavy burden of mental health.

Various studies have found that female sex workers reported living with depression, alcohol dependence, anxiety, and PTSD. Female sex workers are also at risk of poverty, violence, and low levels of education across the world. 

The exhibition promises to be an eye-opening and enlightening experience, encouraging visitors to reflect on the challenges faced by this marginalized community.

‘Mental Health at the Margins’ had previously been showcased during a three-day international summit at IIHS in April this year. 

Event details

Dates: 21st and 22nd July

Entry: Free

Venue: IIHS Bangalore City Campus, 16th Cross Rd, Sadashiva Nagar, Armane Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560080