City NGO's heap praises on Swati Maliwal

Several NGOs working for women's rights in the city and sections of marginalized women, who have recently come in touch with DCW chief Swati Maliwal, are pleasantly surprised.

"She has the will to do something positive," says Rishi Kant of Shakti Vahini, the NGO that helped her reach out to sex workers on GB Road. "On Thursday, she was back in the redlight district in a follow-up to her first visit. It shows she is determined to bring a change," he says.

Anu, an acid attack victim who met Swati a month back, is hopeful like. "She promised 35 of us free treatment at private hospitals and the Delhi government has already agreed. One girl even underwent plastic surgery recently. I am waiting for my turn. More than anything else, I want my face back," she says.

A group of sex workers at Delhi's infamous GB Road are keenly awaiting their Aadhaar and ration cards. Surekha* told Mail Today, "For women like us, it's a privilege to have a respectable identity, one that is recognised by the government. It wouldn't have been so important but for my kids. However, fear of revealing our profession, remarks and harassment keep us away from Aadhaar offices. Swati has promised us help."

Shabnam*, who works in the same kotha as Surekha*, informs us, "We know we can't earn enough from sewing, tailoring and the other options that the government is providing, but we will need them at a later age. Swati has said she will provide us training as well as a market."