Economic crisis triggers online prostitution among females

• COVID-19 pandemic led to closure of garment factories leaving many women jobless 
• Some women have taken up jobs in spas and wellness centres
• Many turned to this as a quick means to earn an income
• Many women find it difficult to continue their domestic jobs or self-employment ventures
• Some have reportedly become victims of sexual abuse by microfinance company officials due to their inability to meet loan repayment obligations

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

With soaring living costs and shrinking job opportunities, Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has forced many women into unimaginable circumstances. Desperation has driven thousands to turn to online prostitution as a means of survival, bearing the brunt of the crisis.

The government’s failure to stabilise the economy and provide sustainable solutions has pushed vulnerable populations to the edge, exposing a dire societal issue that demands immediate attention.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have left a lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s workforce, especially women. Many lost their jobs when garment factories and other companies shut down, leaving them with little to no options for earning a livelihood. Even though the country is no longer officially bankrupt, economic instability remains a significant challenge. Amid this turmoil, women are finding themselves trapped in a cycle of debt, exploitation, and survival.

Speaking of the matter, an NGO named National Women’s Unity closely dealing with women claims that nearly 40,000 housewives have turned to online prostitution since 2022 due to the economic crisis.

Its President Hasni Silva told the Daily Mirror that online prostitution has become a last resort for many women struggling with the lack of employment opportunities.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies, including garment factories, shut down, leading to a rise in unemployment among women. Consequently, many women turned to online prostitution as a quick means to earn an income.

Some women also took up jobs in spas and wellness centres. The number of such establishments has risen to 10,000 since 2019, correlating with the economic crisis. However, only 6,000 spas and wellness centres are officially registered with the Health Ministry.

Daily Mirror learns that charges for these services reportedly range from Rs.3,000 to Rs.10,000 per hour.
“Most women engage in domestic industrialisation and strive to earn an income while staying at home. Even though the country has been freed from the label of bankruptcy, economic instability persists. With the recent increase in electricity tariffs and various domestic expenses, the income these women receive for their families is insufficient. Many women find it difficult to continue their domestic jobs or self-employment ventures, which they rely on to earn extra income for their families,” she said.

Silva noted that many women have resorted to working with microfinance companies to secure loans, as obtaining loans from state banks is challenging. She claimed that 2.8 million people in the country have taken loans, with 2.4 million of them being women. Tragically, many women have committed suicide after being unable to repay their loans. Furthermore, some women have reportedly become victims of sexual abuse by microfinance company officials due to their inability to meet loan repayment obligations.

Silva emphasised that the government must take action to empower women and support the development of their self-employment ventures. She also held previous governments accountable for the country’s economic collapse and the subsequent rise in women turning to prostitution as a means of survival.