ISSN (Print Version) 0975-3931 ISSN (On Line Version) 2278-1277 137 Journal of Global Economy, Volume 12 No 2, June, 2016 Young Sex Workers and Their Health Hazards in Old Age: A Study in Mumbai-Karnataka Region Gangadhar B. Sonar 1 Introduction In India, many women and children are victims of trafficking. The involvement of adult men in illegal sex is increasing demand of sex with young girls, especially virgins. For this reason, the average age at which young girl enters the commercial sex work has been steadily declining (Mai, 1994). Out of 100,000 Indian commercial sex workers, 40 percent of them enter the commercial sex work immediately after puberty (Jones, 1995). Studies found that 40% of female sex workers enter profession soon after puberty and grow as illiterate and unskilled adults without formal schooling. Female commercial sex workers have largely been exploited physically, economically, emotionally and mentally and experience miserable conditions. The unhealthy life and hazardous working conditions expose them to myriad of health complications in their early 40s. The practice of sex work is largely found in Mumbai- Karnataka region in the districts of Bijapur, Bagalkot and Belgaum districts of Karnataka (Singh, 2009). Sex workers are largely found in these areas due to four reasons. The existence of Devadasi system; being border of Maharashtra (customers from Maharashtra visit these districts); increased risk of poverty and hunger; and international tourism encouraged commercial sex work and thereby increase the demand for commercial sex workers in this region. They develop several health hazards over a period of couple of decades by working in sex work. Increasing health complications and deteriorating physical fitness make them to get early aging than the general population. By the age 45, they will not be able to attract the customers. Hence, voluntarily or involuntarily, withdraw from sex work. Some of them re-employ as pimps, but many are left as desert and destitute. Their health issues need to be addressed for utilizing their human resources for the betterment of society. A sound health is central aspect of human happiness and well-being (WHO, 2016). 1 Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator of UGC-MRP, Department of Social Work, Rani Channamma University P.G.Centre, Toravi-586108, Tq & Dist:Vijayapur, Karnataka, sonargb@rcub.ac.in JGE