Red-Window Sex Workers in Netherlands

Red-Window Sex Workers in Netherlands

Netherlands is famous for sex, drugs and fun, it is quite hard to determine if these pleasure habits are the reason for the countries booming tourism numbers or the other way round, but what is easy to determine is that Netherlands has the finest and most diverse prostitutes in the world. For starters, sex work is legal in the Dutch country and everyone is free to work as a prostitute or seek sex services from one. This act of liberalism makes people feel free and comfortable to move around in sex districts and enter brothels and sex shops. In fact, many people travel from around the world to spend time with the beautiful prostitutes or work as prostitutes in the Netherlands.

All about Prostitution in Netherlands

When you talk about prostitution in Netherlands, the first thing that comes to someone’s mind is red-window sex workers. We will talk about red-windows and red light districts in a moment, first a brief overview of the sex laws in Netherlands and why the Dutch country has become the top destination of choice for both sex workers and their clients.

Prostitution in Netherlands is legal and regulated by the government. Offering sex services and seeking the same from sex workers is permitted. This has been so since 1830 but it was in 2000 that brothels were allowed to freely operate with the condition that there is no criminal activity associated. One can operate a brothel or work in one as long as they are registered and licensed by the government. It is an offense to offer sex services or operate a brothel without a license.

Red-windows

You probably have heard about red-windows, if not then here is a quick definition of what it is: a red-window is a form of a brothel where prostitutes present themselves by the window in order to attract clients. The ‘red’ tag comes from the fact that there is red neo lighting in the background and around the brothel, although sometimes other colors like blue may be used to mark out specific characteristics like transgender prostitutes.

But why the red-windows?

When sex-work was legalized in Netherlands, it became illegal on the streets, meaning no solicitation can happen on the streets. As such, to attract clients in a similar way, brothels were equipped with the windows where prostitutes can display themselves to attract clients.

How does it work?

Prostitutes have a room in a brothel with a window, they stand behind the window in sexy underwear and lingerie. Interested clients stand by their window and make an inquiry the same way they would soliciting in the streets. If a deal is agreed upon between the two parties, the sex worker will invite the client in for a service.

How to work as a prostitute behind the red-windows

Here is how prostitutes can work legally in Netherlands:

Is legalizing prostitution working for Netherlands?

Since legalizing prostitution, the authorities have had better control on sex work-related crimes. Sex workers are now free to report to the authorities on any form of crime committed by a client and clients can do also do the same. Sex workers can now seek out insurance, get better health care and legitimately run their own business. This has significantly reduced the amount of sex work-related criminal activities but a lot is still to be achieved in as far as making prostitution a safe industry for everyone involved. Discrimination is still a major concern in this industry as many prostitutes are still struggling to get bank loans for example. Another problem that is still to be resolved by the authorities is that of human trafficking. Many foreigners are still being trafficked into Netherlands and taken advantage off by pimps and brothel owners. However, in an effort to deal with this problem, any brothel that is suspected of being involved in any criminal activity is immediately closed down by the authorities.