The European Network of Migrant Women (ENoMW) is a European network of non-governmental organizations which represents the concerns, needs and interests of migrant women in the European Union. This is their position on prostitution.
Goals on Gender Equality and the Rights of Women and Girls
The European Network of Migrant Women’s Position on Prostitution
The prevalence of migrant women in prostitution in most EU member states is an established fact today and it compels migrant women’s organisations to discuss prostitution with clear references to migration and migrant women. Since migrants are most likely to experience poverty and to be at a social disadvantage, women living in poor economic conditions are deceived by an optimistic picture of income that can be earned in the sex industry. The legalized prostitution markets in several European countries are magnets for certain agencies, ready to recruit women from different parts of Europe or from Africa.
These facts have led ENoMW and RIFFI to question the inexplicable tolerance towards the sex industry, viewed as a sort of labour field for migrant women, where prostitution is turning into the only possible “occupation” open to them. We would like to remind the fact that there are many other more valuable calls for real and acceptable opportunities for migrants, such as labour market access and mobility, qualification recognition and family reunification. These are indeed basic rights worth fighting for, rights that will make a difference for migrant women across Europe.
Europe experiences wide budgetary constraints with severe cuts for the general population and particularly members of vulnerable groups, such as the Roma and migrants, with women being specifically affected.
We therefore suggest better financing for women’s organisations, since they often represent the first network of the migrant women in the target country.
03/01/2014
Nusha Yonkova, Chair of ENoMW
Monica Cristea, Vice chair, RIFFI and ENoMW board member