Belgium's sex workers get maternity leave and pensions under world-first law

Belgium has recently made headlines by passing a groundbreaking law that grants sex workers rights such as maternity leave and pensions. This law is the first of its kind in the world, marking a significant shift in how sex work is viewed and regulated. Many sex workers, like Sophie, who is a mother of five, have shared their struggles of balancing work and family life. Sophie recounted her experience, saying, 'I had to work while I was nine months pregnant. I was having sex with clients one week before giving birth. ' She explained that the financial pressure made it impossible for her to take time off, even when she was advised to rest after a Caesarean section. The new law will allow sex workers to have official employment contracts, health insurance, maternity leave, and sick days, treating their work with the same respect as any other profession. Sophie expressed her relief, stating, 'It’s an opportunity for us to exist as people.

The introduction of this law follows months of protests advocating for labor rights for sex workers, particularly during the Covid pandemic when many felt abandoned by the government. Victoria, the president of the Belgian Union of Sex Workers, played a crucial role in these protests. She views sex work as a social service, emphasizing that it involves much more than just physical intimacy. 'It’s giving people attention, listening to their stories, eating cake with them, dancing to waltz music,' she explained. Victoria believes that the new law will provide sex workers with the necessary tools to ensure their safety and well-being. Many sex workers have faced dangerous situations in the past, and this law aims to change that by providing them with legal protections.

However, the law has faced criticism from some who argue that it could lead to increased trafficking and exploitation. Julia, a volunteer with an organization that supports sex workers, voiced her concerns, stating, 'It is dangerous because it normalizes a profession that is always violent at its core. ' Despite these worries, many sex workers feel optimistic about the changes. Mel, another sex worker, shared her experience of feeling pressured to engage in unsafe practices. She is hopeful that the new law will empower her to refuse clients or situations that make her uncomfortable. 'I could have pointed the finger at my madam and said: ‘You're violating these terms and this is how you should treat me,’' she said. The new law in Belgium represents a significant step forward in recognizing the rights of sex workers and improving their working conditions.