THE decriminalisation of prostitution is increasingly being proposed by many left-wing groups as a solution to the problems it generates. However, rather than being a step forward for women’s rights, it creates an imminent threat to them. Sex work is incredibly degrading for those who are exploited by it, and it is especially dangerous for migrant women.

Throughout history, women’s bodies have been commodified in different ways, like marriage arrangements in feudal societies. Now, under capitalism, the commodification of women’s bodies is inevitable since everything is turned into a marketable product. Prostitution is a brutal expression of economic coercion. The legalisation of prostitution will reinforce the idea of women being objects for male consumption.

It has been proven that poverty is a key factor that forces women into prostitution, as it is often the only option available to those facing financial difficulties. Migration is a consequence of imperialist exploitation, where countries like Britain or the United States benefit from the labour and resources of other nations. A 2024 all-party parliamentary group on poverty report states that although migrant women move to escape poverty, they often end up in low-paying, insecure jobs with poor conditions, making them more susceptible to exploitation and abuse. They also face difficulties in accessing essential services such as education, healthcare and legal support. Additionally, they are more likely to experience gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and social isolation.

Prostitution is already highly dangerous for migrant women since it not only threatens their physical and mental wellbeing, but it also puts their immigration status at risk. While prostitution is legal in Britain, many related activities, such as soliciting in public, brothel-keeping and pimping, are illegal. Migrant women involved in these activities are more likely to face legal action, which can lead to deportation if they violate immigration laws. Furthermore, Britain has strict immigration enforcement policies that disproportionately target migrant women, particularly those working in illegal brothels or engaging in street-based sex work. Additionally, migrant women who report being victims of human trafficking may face deportation to their home countries, discouraging them from seeking help. Instead of decriminalising prostitution, the state should guarantee economic security.

A 2016 study published by Harvard University found that countries with legalised prostitution have higher human trafficking inflows, as legalisation expands the market and increases demand. The study also found that in high-income countries, where clients have greater purchasing power, the influx is even stronger. In contrast, countries that have implemented the Nordic model, such as Sweden, have seen a notable decline in human trafficking.

In 2022, the UK Human Trafficking Centre reported 16,938 potential victims, a significant increase from previous years (12,727 in 2021, 10,627 in 2019, and 6,993 in 2018). The National Referral Mechanism reported in 2023 that 24 per cent of all referrals involved women. According to both reports, the vast majority of women who are victims of human trafficking are exploited in the sex trade.

Some argue that decriminalisation of prostitution would improve safety for women by allowing them to report violence without facing legal repercussions, but evidence from Germany and the Netherlands shows the opposite effect. Decriminalisation has only led to the expansion of sex trafficking networks.

Given all the data above, it is clear that the decriminalisation of prostitution will not benefit the prostitutes who are being sexually exploited. Instead, it will benefit the consumers, who are mainly wealthy white men, as they will turn it into an industry they can exploit. It also normalises the commodification of women’s bodies, reinforcing the idea that women are merely bodies for consumption, increasing their legal vulnerability by exposing them to more violence and abuse. Moreover, countries where sex “work” is decriminalised fail to provide the necessary support for the victims.

On the contrary, the Nordic model has been proven to reduce the demand for prostitution by targeting buyers rather than the women who are being sexually exploited. It is also crucial to provide victims with support services such as counselling and healthcare, regardless of their residency status. This can only be achieved by considering prostitution a form of exploitation since when it is framed as a personal choice or a legitimate form of work, it shifts the focus away from systemic inequalities.

Additionally, the Nordic model raises public awareness, making victims more likely to report their exploitation regardless of their immigration status. By considering prostitution as a form of exploitation instead of a form of work, public perception is shifted. Furthermore, public education campaigns focus on the harms of prostitution and the exploitation behind it, treating prostitutes as victims trapped in abuse rather than criminals. This also makes it easier for those in need of support to seek it.

In essence, prostitution should not be considered a form of work but rather a form of exploitation that disproportionately affects working-class people in vulnerable situations. Decriminalising prostitution would be a setback for women’s rights, particularly for migrant women, who would become even more vulnerable. Instead, we should advocate for the implementation of the Nordic model, as it represents real progress for women’s rights and provides better protection for migrant women.

Women’s rights are being rolled back. If you would like to join women trade unionists who are organising on this question and get involved in advancing women’s rights across the labour and trade union movement, please email tradeunionfeministcoalition@gmail.com.