Belgium introduces maternity leave, insurance, pension benefits for sex workers

 

 

Brussels: Belgium has introduced maternity leave, health insurance, and pension benefits for sex workers. This is the first country in the world to recognize the rights of sex workers. This law, introduced after sex work was decriminalized in 2022, provides sex workers with protection like other professions.

Human Rights Watch leader Erin Kilbride's response is that it is a progressive step to protect sex workers. Victoria, president of the Belgian Union of Sex Workers, said that this law is important because if the work is illegal, there is no law to protect it. Victoria explained that when she once complained that she had been raped, a police officer told her that sex workers cannot be raped. Sophie, a mother of five, responded that the law gives her the opportunity to live like others.

Meanwhile, another section of the country came out with strong criticism. Julia Krumier, an activist with the NGO Isala, says that this is a sector that exploits women. She also criticized that it is not the oldest profession, but the oldest exploitation.

Meanwhile, protests were held in Belgium demanding that sex workers be treated like other workers and be given benefits including pensions. The law came later. Countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Greece have also decriminalized sex work.