Even though we have chosen to do this work, our decision is not reflected in laws or public policies acknowledging our right to engage in sex work and guaranteeing our integrity as human beings. We have no doubt that sex work is work and as such must be regulated.
Women sex workers are one among many social groups that are relegated to the background in terms of recognition and enjoyment of our rights. This happens even with our most basic rights, such as the right to work, to earn a living through freely chosen or accepted work, to decide how to carry on one’s trade. We are not guaranteed the minimum conditions that must be respected for all women workers.
Even though we have chosen to do this work, our decision is not reflected in laws or public policies acknowledging our right to engage in sex work and guaranteeing our integrity as human beings.
Regulating sex work is a historical claim by those engaged in it. We demand it not only because we are entitled to the same guarantees as those doing any other kind of work, but also because being placed in unequal conditions with regard to the rest of the workers, for us means abuse, violence, precarious living conditions and discrimination that do not correspond with the commitments adopted by States from our region to defend and guarantee human rights for all their populations.
Our governments owe us laws on autonomous sex work and public policies regulating it. A framework of guarantees for women who decide to engage in this work will lead to improvements in our quality of life; help to reduce stigma, discrimination, harassment and marginalization, and contribute to our societies being more inclusive and egalitarian.
We have no doubt that sex work is work and as such must be regulated. The reasons why are elaborated below.
