Sex workers deserve labour rights

On Saturday, April 2025, the Women's Affairs Reform Commission submitted its report to the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The Commission members met the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna and submitted the report. In November last year, the interim government formed a 10-member Women's Affairs Reform Commission. In this report, the Commission proposes the labour rights of sex workers. Sex work, like any other profession, should be recognised and protected by labour rights. However, some people and groups are totally against it.

On 1st May 2025, the HIV/ AIDS Research and Welfare Centre (HARC), Bangladesh, called for a meeting with sex workers at the organisation's Khilgaon premises in Dhaka and showed their solidarity to get labour rights for sex workers. It should be mentioned that HARC has been advocating for sex workers' labour rights since 2022. They also discussed in the meeting why it's important for sex workers. HARC mentioned;

Sex workers, like individuals in any other profession, deserve labour rights to ensure their safety, dignity, and access to justice. Here are some key reasons HARC mentioned why this is essential:

Protection from Exploitation and Abuse: Without labour rights, sex workers are often vulnerable to exploitation, harassment, and violence. Recognising their work as legitimate provides a framework to protect them from such abuses.

Access to Health and Social Services: Criminalisation and stigma often prevent sex workers from accessing essential health care, legal aid, and other social services. Labour rights can help bridge this gap, ensuring they receive the necessary support.

Economic Empowerment: By acknowledging sex work as legitimate labour, workers can access benefits like fair wages, contracts, and workplace protections, empowering them economically.

Reduction of Stigma: Granting labour rights helps challenge societal stigma, promoting respect and dignity for sex workers as individuals contributing to the economy.

Legal Protections: Labour rights provide a legal framework that allows sex workers to report crimes, seek justice, and work in safer environments without fear of arrest or discrimination.

Advocating for labour rights for sex workers is not just about their profession; it's about upholding human rights, ensuring equality, and fostering a society that values the dignity of all its members.