Sex Work in The Netherlands; Squash the Stigma!

  

  This week my class had the opportunity to learn about sex work in the Netherlands. We learned what sex work can be, how it is performed, as well as stigma and laws surrounding it. We got to have an in-person lecture from Brenda and Lucy, who were one sex worker who worked as a sex assistant to disabled people. We also read articles regarding sex work. I was really looking forward to meeting with her and learning more about sex work as I had never had exposure to it other than media and stereotypes. 

    In the article, Nugent started off by saying that sex workers are allowed boundaries and self-respect, something that unfortunately has to be cleared up (Nugent, 2019). Next, Nugent wrote that the window areas in the Netherlands are tolerated by society and the government to a certain degree mainly due to their historical connection and value to the city of Amsterdam (Nugent, 2019). Amsterdam has had no new windows built since 1996, as they are no longer permitted (Nugent, 2019). This shows that though Amsterdam tolerates sex work, it is still not seen as a positive and society and the government is attempting to stop its growth and even lessen sex work as a whole (Nugent, 2019).

    Nugent then writes about what sex work really is, specifically window work, and how women can go about it. She writes that she can recognize a client by his walk and how he makes eye contact (Nugent, 2019). She then writes that if you come across someone who you are not interested in you just avoid eye contact, or if necessary, close the window curtain until they leave (Nugent, 2019). She then wrote that you always negotiate price outside of the room and only let the client in once the price is agreed on and paid (Nugent, 2019). She also mentioned emergency buttons, which are located in every room in case of any emergency (Nugent, 2019). 

    Next, Nugent writes about Femke Halsema, the first female Mayor (Nugent, 2019). She wrote about how Halsema ruled out a ban on sex work but wants it to change (Nugent, 2019). She claims to want crime to go down and quieter and safer lives for sex workers (Nugent, 2019). Halsema suggested 4 scenarios: closure of windows, reduction in number of windows, addition of windows, and end of prostitution (Nugent, 2019). 

    Nugent then goes to criticize the governments involvement, describing a city-run gentrification project called "1012" (Nugent, 2019). She explained that this project bought up all the leases of buildings used as brothels and coffee shops and replaced them with up-end stores and restaurants (Nugent, 2019). She described 1012 as a real estate thing, not something to help keep prostitutes safe, but to make money and run sex workers out of business (Nugent, 2019). 

    Hearing from Brenda and Lucy (who ended up being the same woman) was very enlightening. The thing I found most interesting was how window working was actually one of the safest ways to do sex work. Previous to the lecture, I though the opposite, so I found it very interesting. Learning from Lucy and Brenda that window working gives the women more control and more freedom to be "bossy" was very fascinating to me, and hearing more, it made sense. Lucy explained that in window working the women work independently and have more control over what clients they take and what payment they want. Lucy also explained that there is more control over cleanliness, and that the women look out for each other, as well as have emergency buttons for safety.  

References:

Nugent, C. (October 30, 2019). Amsterdam's Red Light District is in crisis. https://time.com/5712420/amsterdam-red-light-district-change/

Word Count: 600

Honor Code: I have acted with honor and integrity in producing this work and am unaware of anyone who has not. LS