The Future of Selling Sex in Amsterdam

Getting access to a brothel and recording in that space was tough, but worth it. I spent two days and nights recording the reactions of lust, disgust and curiosity from clients and tourists.

Femke Halsema is Amsterdam’s first female Mayor and she says she wants to make sex work in the red light district safer. The plan is to crack down on human trafficking and the humiliation women working in windows face from tourists.

Four main options are being considered including closing the windows in which women work and moving the red light district altogether. A consultation has been carried out.

I went to Amsterdam to canvass the opinions of sex workers, campaigners, a brothel owner, local residents and tourists about the Mayor’s plans. 

“When you are there you try to shut your heart totally” - Irena, former prostitute. Trafficked for 10 years.

Broadcast: BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3