A Red-Light District that thrived for Centuries
‘De Wallen’ Area: Legalized and Regulated Sex Work
Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
The Hans India
(29-09-2024)
{The origin of
historic ‘Red-Light District’ can be traced back to the medieval period, by
which time Amsterdam had grown into a significant port city, attracting male
sailors, traders, and travelers from around the world. Their stay for long
periods, necessitated sex work to cater to their needs that resulted in
establishment of specific areas, which in the process also generated revenue
through taxation. Thus, ‘De Wallen’ emerged as a hub for sex work, which was
also driven by economic factors that provided a livelihood for women in a
male-dominated society} – Editor Hans India
During my two-day visit
to ‘Paris City’ from Amsterdam our team passed through the ‘Famous
Prostitution Place’ known as ‘Pigalle Area’ around ‘Boulevard de
Clichy’ which looked similar to any normal locality. The street ‘Boulevard
de Clichy’ resulted from the fusion in 1864, of the roads that paralleled
the Wall of the 'Farmers-General, both inside and out’ and the adjoining
‘Pigalle Area’ is reputed for its adult entertainment in association
with sex work and nightlife. Pigalle still retains its historical character,
while ensuring meticulous safety and welcoming for all residents and visitors.
Similarly, in
Amsterdam, the ‘Red-Light District’ known as ‘De Wallen’ is city's
one of the most famous and historic areas. Known for its legalized and
regulated sex work, the sex workers here display themselves behind ‘Red-Lit Windows’
offering their services. This oldest part of Amsterdam is a mix of narrow lanes,
canals, bars, coffee shops, and adult entertainment venues. It is a complex
history that reflects broader social, economic, and legal developments in the
city. The strict policing rules to ensure the safety and rights of the sex
workers, transformed ‘Red-Light District’ in to a tourist destination.
The Genesis of the ‘Red-Light
District’ can be traced back to the medieval period, by which time Amsterdam
had grown into a significant port city, attracting male sailors, traders, and
travelers from around the world. Their stay for long periods, necessitated sex
work to cater to their needs, that resulted in establishment of specific areas,
which in the process also generated revenue through taxation. Thus, ‘De
Wallen’ emerged as a hub for sex work, which was also driven by economic
factors that provided a livelihood for women in a male-dominated society.
It is said that, Amsterdam's
relatively liberal attitude towards sex work was also rooted in the city’s
broader culture of tolerance. The city was a melting pot of different cultures
and ideas, and this tolerance extended to the regulation, rather than outright
banning of sex work. Delving into the ‘Concept and Legalization,’ the
interesting phase was that, by the 19th and early 20th centuries,
when there were growing demands worldwide to criminalize sex work, in
Amsterdam, the focus remained on ‘Regulation Rather Than Prohibition’ due
to a pragmatic understanding that prohibition may lead to practicing it
underground, making it harder to manage.
The concept of
regulated sex work was formalized in the Netherlands in 2000 when the Dutch
government legalized it, allowing for the official licensing of brothels. This
move aimed to protect the rights of sex workers, ensured better health
standards, and combat human trafficking. Consequently, ‘Amsterdam's Red-Light
District’ became a model for sex work regulation in a ‘Modern European City.’
Gradually the ‘Red Light District’ has become crowded tourist
attraction, resulting in significant impact on the area, and cultural
degradation.
Evolution of the
Red-Light District reflecting changing social attitudes, propelled to an
ongoing debate in Amsterdam on the whole gamut of sex work in the city, aimed
at balancing rights and safety of sex workers, and the historical significance
with the realities of modern urban life. This led to considering various
reforms to address the challenges by the Dutch Government and Amsterdam’s City Council.
This included proposals to move parts of the ‘Red-Light District’ away
from the city center, stricter regulations on tours, and efforts to combat
human trafficking.
The phenomenon of ‘Red-Light
Districts’ is also present in several European countries, though the
approaches to deal with them vary significantly. There have been marked ‘Differences
and Deviations’ in allowing sex-work. Germany’s approach is similar to the
Netherlands, where prostitution has been legal and regulated since 2002. It is
more decentralized, with brothels and sex work establishments spread across
cities rather than concentrated in one area. Sex workers can work legally in
brothels, and they have access to health care, social insurance, and legal
protection.
Prostitution is
legalized in Belgium though it is regulated only at the municipal level. It has
generally stricter controls on the conditions of sex work and a strong focus on
combating human trafficking. Switzerland legalizes and regulates prostitution. Cities
like Zurich and Geneva have designated areas for sex work, including outdoor ‘Sex
Boxes’ in Zurich where workers can meet clients in a controlled
environment. The Swiss model emphasizes safety, health checks, and taxation.
Austria permits
legalized prostitution with strict regulations. Registered Sex Workers must
undergo regular health checks. Vienna has specific zones where sex work is
allowed, but it lacks a large, internationally known red light district like in
Amsterdam. Denmark legalized prostitution in 1999, but pimping and operating
brothels remain illegal, which limits the formal organization of sex work. There
are no prominent red-light districts like in Amsterdam, and the practice is
more dispersed and less visible.
Countries like Sweden
and Norway have adopted the ‘Nordic model’ where selling sex is legal
but buying is criminal. This model is based on the idea of reducing demand and
protecting sex workers from exploitation. Amsterdam's ‘Red-Light District’
is unique in its combination of sex work, tourism, and cultural heritage. Similarly,
few other European Cities have such a prominent and well-known areas dedicated
to sex work as well as a major tourist attraction. Several countries may have
legalized and regulated sex work, but often they are with stricter controls,
less visibility, or different legal frameworks, reflecting different social
attitudes and priorities.
International
Organizations like the UN, UN Women, UNAIDS, WHO, ILO, and Amnesty
International etc. through their guidelines, generally emphasized a ‘Rights-Based,
Health-Focused’ approach to sex work. Decriminalization, Human Rights,
Combatting Trafficking, Health, and Safety etc. are the common themes. For
instance, The UN has advocated for a ‘Human Rights-Based Approach’ to sex work,
emphasizing the need to protect the rights, health, and safety of sex workers.
UN Women in 2016, held
consultations to develop a position on sex work, focusing on the rights and
safety of sex workers while also addressing issues like trafficking and
exploitation. UNAIDS has been a strong advocate for the decriminalization of
sex work, arguing that criminalization increases vulnerability to HIV and other
health issues by pushing sex work underground. World Health Organization advocates for the
decriminalization of sex work as part of a public health strategy. The
organization emphasizes that criminalization increases the risk of violence,
sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other health problems among sex
workers.
International Labor
Organization (ILO) has considered the issue of sex work within the broader
context of labor rights. Amnesty International in 2016 adopted a policy calling
for the full decriminalization of consensual adult sex work. Global Network of
Sex Work Projects advocates for the rights and health of sex workers globally.
It supports the decriminalization of all aspects of sex work, opposes punitive
laws, and promotes the empowerment of sex workers.
During the day, the
district is less lively and even less attractive as the messier aspects reveal
themselves in natural daylight. Although there are women tapping on the windows
even during the light hours, most of the action takes place around 11pm. The
district is swarming with crowds and the red neon lights illuminate the canals.
The atmosphere lives until around 2am or 3am when the streets get emptier and
businesses shuts down.
The average income of a
sex worker varies significantly depending on several factors, including the
country or city they work in, the legal and regulatory environment, the type of
services offered, their experience, the clientele they serve, and the working
conditions. More importantly, sex workers often have significant expenses
related to their work, including safety measures, health care, taxes, and, in
some cases, payments to third parties.
(Writer’s
Dispatch from Amsterdam).
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