Challenges faced by female sex workers in Myanmar: legal barriers and rights protection: case study in Yangon

This research investigates the challenges faced by female sex workers in Yangon, Myanmar, focusing on legal barriers, violence, exploitation, and rights protection. The study aims to comprehensively examine these issues and evaluate the effectiveness of existing support services. Utilizing qualitative methods, in-depth interviews were conducted with five female sex workers, representatives from the SWIM NGO, police officers, and experts on the legal framework. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The findings reveal that female sex workers in Myanmar endure significant hardships, exacerbated by inadequate education, poverty, and limited job opportunities. The Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1949 stands as a major legal obstacle, severely restricting their rights and perpetuating their marginalization. The study highlights the pervasive stigma and societal exclusion experienced by female sex workers, which further hinders their access to necessary resources and reintegration into society. The conservative cultural attitudes towards sex work contribute to their ongoing marginalization, making it difficult for them to achieve dignity and societal acceptance. In conclusion, the research underscores the urgent need for legal reforms to decriminalize sex work and enhance the rights and protections of female sex workers. It advocates for a robust legal framework that safeguards their rights and access to justice. Additionally, it calls for developing comprehensive support services that address both immediate needs and long-term well-being, thereby fostering an environment that respects their human rights and promotes their health and safety.

本研究聚焦缅甸仰光女性性工作者所面临的多重困境，重点涵盖法律壁垒、暴力侵害、剥削行为以及权利保障等议题。本研究旨在全面梳理上述问题，并评估现有支持服务的实施成效。研究采用质性研究方法，对5名女性性工作者、SWIM非政府组织（SWIM NGO）代表、警务人员以及法律框架领域专家开展深度访谈，并运用主题分析法对所获数据进行分析。研究结果显示，缅甸女性性工作者面临极为严峻的生存困境，而教育水平低下、贫困及就业机会匮乏进一步加剧了其处境的艰难程度。《1949年压制卖淫法》（The Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1949）是制约其权益保障的核心法律壁垒，严重限制了她们的合法权利，并持续加剧其社会边缘化状态。本研究同时指出，女性性工作者普遍遭受污名化与社会排斥，这进一步阻碍了其获取必要资源及重新融入社会的进程。社会对性工作的保守文化态度，进一步加剧了女性性工作者的边缘化处境，使其难以获得人格尊严与社会接纳。综上，本研究强调亟需推进法律改革，将性工作非刑事化，以强化对女性性工作者的权利保障与权益保护。研究主张构建完善的法律体系，保障女性性工作者的合法权利及获得司法救济的渠道。此外，研究呼吁建立覆盖全面的支持服务体系，兼顾其即时需求与长期福祉，从而营造尊重女性性工作者人权、保障其健康与安全的社会环境。

搜集汇总

背景与挑战

背景概述

该数据集聚焦于缅甸仰光女性性工作者面临的挑战，通过定性研究方法揭示了她们在贫困、法律限制（如1949年《压制卖淫法》）和社会污名下的困境。研究强调，法律改革和全面的支持服务对于保护她们的权利、促进健康和安全至关重要。