𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬: 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐱 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤

…𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔, 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒗𝒖𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Pema Chozom, Tenzin Euden & Sonam Choki

Bhutan has seen a notable uptick in the influx of individuals, predominantly young females and male, engaging in sex work. Reported cases, delineated by age, have shown a steady escalation since 2019, spanning from 17-year-olds to those aged 25 and beyond. The figures reveal a concerning trajectory: from 16 cases in 2022 to 21 in 2023. A gender breakdown of 2023 data demonstrates 12 male and 9 female cases, with males constituting the larger cohort.

This emerging pattern has set off alarm bells nationwide, triggering a profound introspection into the root causes fueling this trend. Within Bhutan’s distinctive cultural milieu and amidst swift socio-economic transformations, factors including financial instability, peer pressure, and deeply ingrained societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality have surfaced as key drivers. Moreover, disparities in economic opportunities and a dearth of robust education on the perils and ramifications of sex work have left numerous individuals exposed to exploitation and manipulation.

Karma, (name changed) 19 years old dropped out of school shares her story of how she got into the profession. She started when she was in seventh grade and just at the age of 14. She has a father and two brothers, her mother passed away from illness when she was 15. However, last year (2023), she began attending school again because her father wanted her to complete her studies. “I was in lower school and without my realization I was involved with bad peers and began using drugs. My mother passed away the following year and things got worse. I would eventually stay in rooms and do drugs. This allowed me to meet a wide range of people of all ages. Sonam, an older sister, who was involved in sex work, helped us and she was very kind to us. After being with her for a while, I realized I was also caught up in it,” said Karma.

She mentioned that her earnings vary depending on the clients, ranging from Ngultrum (Nu.) 1000 to Nu. 10,000 a day depending on the client. Karma admits she has little understanding of cause and effect, only seeking medical check-ups when she falls ill. Recently, she heard from a friend about contracting STD-Gonorrhea. While Karma is open to pursuing other professions, she emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among young girls about such issues.

She suggests conducting campaigns and seminars in schools and colleges, involving students, teachers, and parents.
Kencho, (name changed) 18 years old lived with her mother, grandmother, and a younger brother. She never saw her father since her parents separated before she was born. She said “My mother was the sole breadwinner, so she had no time for us. My younger brother and I got into bad company and started doing drugs at a young age. I was 14 years old back then. I’m still going to school. While doing drugs, I ran into a girl who was a year or two older than me from my same school. We became friends over time, and I discovered she was willing to sell her body for quick money. Over time, I became intrigued and felt compelled to try it. I was taken aback by how much she could make in a day. I was too young to understand what was going on at the time.”

She stressed “I was young and appealing so clients would give me Nu. 5000 because older men preferred young girls. It is up to the clients where they want me to come. Most people prefer hotels, some invite me to their home, while others come to pick me up in the car.”

She said that initially, her doing did not affect her, but now that when she thinks about it she has a strong sense of regret and is ashamed of herself. She also suggests raising awareness, investigating both the cause and the effect. Additionally, removing the sole factor could prevent our girls from getting involved in such a profession.

Lhamo (name changed), a 21-year-old who resides in Thimphu, shares her journey and the challenges she faced. She expressed, ‘I come from a very poor family. I was 17 when I first arrived in Thimphu. I did not qualify from grade 10, and my family could not afford to send me to a private school. I came to Thimphu in search of better opportunities, hoping to help my family. I stayed with friends, and we had very little money, which was not sufficient to make a living.I was kicked out of jobs I secured because me being minor, I was too young and the employer thought they might be charged of child labour. I have given up all my hopes and couldn’t even return to my village. After so much of struggle and no way forward, I came to conclusion and decided to choose this path.” Her earnings depend on the number of clients she serves, ranging from Nu.15,000 to Nu.20,000 if she sees three clients a day. Clients make reservations in advance.

Moreover, she expresses her concern, stating, “I heard that being sexually active can lead to contracting diseases like HIV, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so I take precautions. Sometimes, I feel disgusted with myself.” She added. Although it’s a delicate and sensitive subject, she believes that the rate of sex work will decrease if the government includes discussions in schools, raises awareness, and educates young girls entering this profession. She said, “Personally, I had no idea, and it wasn’t taught in schools.”

Deputy Chief of Police, Colonel Passang Dorji stated, “Police is enforcing and implementing the law, on addition to that we are sensitizing and creating awareness to the schools, colleges, general public and to any gathering available for us to speak. We form a group from various divisions and also from the headquarters to conduct programs.”

“Since 2022 we have started making awareness campaign to the local government and to the people, from 2023, started to schools and colleges and continue to do so. Very soon, we are going to the eastern part of the country to deliver briefings about Crime, Drugs, sex offences, suicide and rape, to public and schools, we even tell the public and students not to get involved in such activities. We often hear and receive numerous calls regarding this issue, but we encounter challenges due to the lack of appropriate evidence and proof when we arrive at the scene,” he added.

A social worker stated, “It would be inaccurate to assert that a significant number of students are turning to sex work. However, there is an observed increase in the involvement of young individuals, including minors, school dropouts, and students, in sex work. This trend is largely attributed to socio-economic factors, with family dynamics and financial constraints playing critical roles. The majority of young people involved in sex work are motivated by the need to support their livelihoods, and in some cases, to fund their education. Nonetheless, a subset of individuals engages in sex work to finance their nightlife activities.”

The social worker also noted that the recent surge in young individuals entering sex work has become more pronounced following the government’s revision of operating hours for entertainment venues. The government’s shortcomings in enforcing and monitoring these establishments have inadvertently allowed minors to access venues where alcohol is readily available. The allure of nightlife, coupled with alcohol, peer pressure, and financial enticements, are contributing factors that lure young people into sex work.

From January 2024 to the present, the social workers has handled approximately 10 cases which are not reported. These cases are particularly delicate for two main reasons: they involve minors, and sex work is criminalized in the country. Consequently, these cases are managed discreetly, away from public scrutiny and law enforcement. Typically, a collaborative approach is adopted, with various stakeholders working together to support individuals in exiting sex work. The identities of the organizations involved are kept confidential due to the sensitive nature of the work, but it is assured that every effort is made to overcome the challenges faced.

“Comprehensive support is provided to those involved in sex work, including rigorous counseling and opportunities for education and alternative livelihoods. Despite these efforts, many sex workers, especially those who have experienced violence and abuse, are reluctant to seek legal services for fear of arrest. This fear creates a significant barrier to accessing help, whether legal or public services,” The social worker added.

The social worker further emphasized, “The underlying reasons for individuals engaging in sex work are complex, and thus, the response must be equally multifaceted. An intensive effort from all sectors of society, including law enforcement, families, and policymakers, is essential to address these challenges effectively. Without such a unified approach, the issues surrounding sex work will likely persist, hidden from the view of the public and government authorities.”

Rena Thapa, Counselor at Department of education programs, Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) said, “Sexuality education has been a part of the school education system with the implementation of Comprehensive School Health programme since 1999, Life Skills Education (LSE) since 2008 and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) since 2021 to help both teachers and students adapt and build positive behavior enabling them to deal with the demands and challenges of everyday living including sexual reproductive health and rights through institutionalized support of teachers and School Health Coordinators. The CSE programmes and activities are conducted at the National, Dzongkhag or Thromde and school levels.”

The ministry has employed School Counselors in secondary schools; Schools without the counselors have the School Wellbeing Focal teachers. In addition, there are School Health coordinators. So the students can seek support from them in person or avail online support from the Sherig Counseling from the Facebook page or from the MoESD website.

“The Department of Education Programmes under the MoESD has initiated the Student Health and Wellbeing Programmes in schools such as the Mentor-Mentee, Student Resilience Development Programme and Peer Helpers Program which would help in early identification of vulnerability, provide appropriate interventions and make safe referral,” Rena Thapa added.

Dendup, 27 years old resident of Thimphu pointed out, “The primary factors driving young girls into sex working in our society are due to financial issues and peer influences, and moreover, societal norms regarding gender, sexuality, and economic disparities which increase the vulnerability of young girls in this situation.” He mentioned that schools and parents should provide good education about prostitution and its consequences, or maintain surveillance and follow the law.

“The long-term solution to address this issue would be to conduct research on the girls who were caught participating in these activities. This could include asking all necessary questions and analyzing the data to determine the root cause and then implement solutions. Moreover, awareness should be prioritized, as well as encouraging parents to improve their communication with their children,” Dendup added.

Kinzang, 35 year-old, expressed concern about the increasing number of sex workers, acknowledging that information spreads rapidly in today’s interconnected world. He believes that financial pressures and peer influence are the primary reasons why many girls enter this profession. “I believe that if we enact strict laws and regulations against informal prostitution, for both victims and suspects then we will see fewer cases of it. I think that Non-Government Orginisation (NGOs) such as RENEW, NCWC, and Tarayana Foundation should be established to help rehabilitate and change their lives for better.” Kinzang said.

He noted that Bhutanese society generally holds negative perceptions of sex workers, viewing them as unclean and lacking dignity, which can severely affect the mental and emotional well-being of these young women. He said, “Because their daughter gets involved in some shady business, the entire family’s reputation suffers and they face humiliation.” He stressed the importance of societal acceptance and assistance for these individuals, urging people to refrain from passing judgment and instead take collective responsibility to create a better world for everyone.

However, Wangchuk (name changed), 40 years old teacher emphasized his willingness to support any student who opens up to him about such issues. He outlined a compassionate approach, stating that he would listen to the student’s story, identify underlying reasons for their involvement in sex work, and then seek appropriate help and support, such as counseling. Additionally, Wangchuk highlighted, “The importance of offering positive affirmations and mentorship to guide the student towards a more positive path. This approach reflects a commitment to understanding and assisting students in navigating complex challenges they may face outside of the classroom.”

Sonam, a 45-year-old hotel owner, acknowledged, “I do notice from time to time and most of them are in 20s and 30s. I believe that if such activities occur frequently in my hotel, it will be known as a prostitute house.” Concerned about the reputation of his hotel, he emphasized the need for a stringent policy to deter such activities, fearing that frequent occurrences may label his establishment as a hub for prostitution. He expressed a belief in the necessity of the hotel industry implementing robust measures to reject customers suspected of engaging in such activities. However, Sonam lamented that competitive pressures within the industry sometimes compel him to reluctantly accept such customers, highlighting a broader challenge that hotel owner face in maintaining standards while navigating market dynamics.

Ultimately, addressing the issue of sex work in the country requires a holistic approach. It demands collaboration among policymakers, communities, educators, stakeholders, and businesses to implement effective interventions that safeguard the well-being and dignity of all citizens. By prioritizing awareness, education, support, and stringent regulations, Bhutan can pave the way toward a brighter, safer future for its people, freeing them from the shadows of exploitation and coercion.