Belgium has become the first country in the world to grant sex workers full employment rights. Critics have warned it may risk normalising exploitation within the industry. In a new law that came into effect on Sunday, December 1, sex workers are entitled to health insurance, maternity leave, retirement benefits, and paid sick days.
The landmark legislation, described as a “radical” shift in labour rights, is a significant step toward protecting the dignity and safety of individuals in the adult industry. Sophie, a Belgian sex worker, shared her harrowing experience of juggling motherhood and work under the previous system. “I had to work while I was nine months pregnant. I was servicing clients one week before giving birth,” she revealed.
How is new law in Belgium a game-changer This law, a global first, offers sex workers legal contracts and protections similar to those in other professions. It ensures their ability to refuse unsafe practices or clients without the risk of losing their livelihood.
The legislation emerged from protests during the COVID-19 pandemic when the lack of support for sex workers became glaringly apparent. Victoria, president of the Belgian Union of Sex Workers (UTSOPI), played a key role in advocating for these rights. An escort for 12 years, it was a personal fight for her. Victoria regards prostitution as a social service, with sex being only about 10% of what she does.
“It’s giving people attention, listening to their stories, eating cake with them, dancing to waltz music. Ultimately, it’s about loneliness. If there is no law and your job is illegal, there are no protocols to help you. This law gives people the tools to make us safer,” she underscored. While advocacy groups like Human Rights Watch praised the law as a progressive step, critics argue that it risks normalising an inherently exploitative trade.
Twilight girls adapt to survive Back at home, in 2020, TUKO.co.ke filed how sex workers within Nairobi were forced to look for alternative ways of getting clients as the effects of COVID-19 and nationwide curfew continued to bite.
The twilight girls claimed they were forced to find customers within their estates as bars where they usually find most of their customers remain closed to curb the spread of the pandemic. Community Sex Workers coordinator Fellister Abdalla said the workers would lose an estimated KSh 20 million in one month if brothels and bars remain shut.
by Didacus Malowa