I just discovered the work of an extraordinary photographer: Kate Orne. She worked on a subject that we are unaware of: The victims of Pakistan’s sex trade. She is the first photographer allowed in this little know sex-industry in Pakistan to document madams, prostitutes and trafficking victims. In our perception of Pakistan, we never include sex trade because we consider it incompatible with Islam. Moreover prostitution is forbidden under Islamic law. With the increase of extremists groups and Sharia Law in the region, those women risk severe and violent punishments, even death.
Young women from rural villages and refugee camps are sold to the brothels by human-traffickers. Girls born in the trade are forced to integrate it, them and their mother are illiterate and prostitutes so they have no opportunities. Moreover those women have to face rapes and abuses in their daily life, with no hope of protection from their madams and pimps. Those affected by HIV/AIDS prefer to hide their illness otherwise they are stigmatized. Even with awareness campaigns, it is the client who decides to use condoms or not.
The artist proceeds from the project support Sheed Society
Watch the multimedia slideshow and a small gallery on her website
You can also join the facebook group
Sources: osocio.org, oitzarisme.ro and mayyouneverbeuncovered.org
