Explained: Why are women in Sri Lanka involving themselves more in prostitution?

New Delhi: Amid the severe economic crisis faced by Sri Lanka, the women of the island country are facing another predicament. With women losing their jobs in the textile industry, are forced to become sex workers, as per a report by the ANI. The country with 22 million people is facing severe hardships and poverty. They are facing tough times in meeting the basic necessities like food, fuel, and other essential items.

The severe situation has been seen in the establishment of several brothels in the country. There has been an increase of 30% in prostitution in the last few months as women are being forced into this job to meet their basic livelihood, as per a report by Stand-up Movement Lanka (SUML), a group that works for the rights of sex workers. Some of these establishments operate as spas and wellness centres as well. Many who have gotten involved in the business stated that it is the only way to provide three meals a day to their families.

“Women working in the textile industry are resorting to ‘sex work’ after being fired due to the economic crisis,” Ashila Dandeniya, Executive Director, SUML told ANI. She further stated, “Due to the current crisis, we have noticed that many women are taking up prostitution. Most of them are from the textile industry. After Covid, the textiles industries were affected and many jobs were cut and now the current situation is forcing them into sex work for their livelihoods.”

Women share stories of their change of profession

Rehana (name change), the 21-year-old girl shared her story with ANI about how she turned from a simple employee in the textile industry to a sex worker. She stated how after losing her job seven months back, out of despair she turned into prostitution. “In December last year, I lost my job in a textile factory. Then, I got another job on a daily basis. Sometimes, when the manpower was less, I used to go and work. But I could not get the money as I did not get it regularly and it was too little to take care of my needs and that of the family. Then, a spa owner approached me and I decided to work as a sex worker due to the current crisis. My mind refused to accept the offer but I was in dire need of money for my family,” she told ANI.

Another woman shared her story about how she got into prostitution. Rozy (name changed), is a 41-year-old woman who is the mother of a seven-year-old daughter. Being divorced, she had to earn livelihood for herself as well as her daughter which included housing rent, and daughter’s education fees among others. “Income is insufficient due to the economic crisis. Money is not enough for my family’s domestic needs. That’s why I chose this. I run a shop and I have to pay to keep it running. Because of this problem many prostitutes are now there,” she told ANI.

Higher income, but many problems

Though the profession provides a huge amount of money around LKR 20,000 to 30,000 a month, get about LKR 15,000-20,000 in a day, there are many problems they can face. According to the Executive Director of SUML, “Many sex workers started living with their partners but due to the crisis the partner had to leave many girls. Many of them have become pregnant also… at present we have two girls who are pregnant and we need to take care of them and we are not getting help anywhere even from the government.”