Introduction

In an unimaginable turn of events, the ongoing turmoil in Myanmar has driven many women, including highly educated professionals, into a life of desperation and sex work. This story highlights the plight of women who are now forced to abandon their dreams to survive in a country reeling from political instability and economic collapse.

May's Story

May, a recently graduated doctor, had dedicated seven years to her medical education, only to find her aspirations dismantled shortly after starting her career. The military coup in February 2021 exacerbated an already fragile economy, pushing inflation to an alarming 26% amid the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. With essential goods becoming increasingly expensive and her salary dwindling to a mere $415 a month, May found herself at a crossroads. Her family’s financial struggles, particularly her father's kidney disease, left her with nowhere to turn.

In her search for income, she encountered “date girls,” a euphemism for those engaging in sex work, and was quickly lured by the promise of higher earnings—often double what she was making as a doctor. "It’s difficult to accept that, despite all my years of study to become a doctor, I’m now doing this kind of work just to make ends meet,” May, 26, confided, requesting anonymity out of fear of societal repercussions and the illegal status of prostitution in Myanmar.

The Broader Economic Crisis

The local economy has been ravaged by the coup and ensuing civil war, resulting in widespread poverty. Nearly half of the population currently lives below the poverty line, as noted by World Bank statistics. Women previously at the forefront of anti-coup protests are now facing dire economic realities, and the shift toward sex work reflects the broader crisis afflicting the country.

Zar's Experience

Zar, a 25-year-old former nurse from Mandalay, also found herself forced into the sex industry after her hospital closed in response to the coup. Her initial experiences were harrowing and lacked dignity, revealing the personal toll taken by such circumstances. "It lasted about 20 minutes, but to me, it felt like an eternity,” she said, recalling her first encounter with a client.

The New Middle Class

The desperation that drives these women to prostitution is compounded by the risk of arrest and the necessity to bribe officials for release if caught. The loss of Myanmar's burgeoning middle class—a group that had flourished since the nation began transitioning out of military rule in 2011—has further deepened the crisis. In stark numbers, the United Nations Development Program reports that this middle class has been halved since the coup.

Su's Lost Dreams

Su, a 28-year-old former doctor, reminisced about once enjoying life’s pleasures—traveling and dining out—until skyrocketing prices for basic goods forced her to deplete her savings and choose between food and necessities. “I wanted to be a pediatrician and help children, but the coup and my family’s financial situation left me with no other options,” she expressed, highlighting the disconnect between her dreams and her grim reality.

Gender Inequalities in the Workforce

Moreover, the economic crisis has exacerbated gender inequalities in the workforce. Women have historically earned less than men, with April to June statistics showing female daily-wage workers making only about $5 compared to their male counterparts earning significantly more for the same work. The garment industry, once a thriving source of employment for women, has seen factories shuttered and international companies withdraw operations post-coup.

Mya's Struggles

For Mya, a 25-year-old single mother, the situation is dire. After losing her husband to military violence during a protest, she struggled to make ends meet. With no job opportunities available, she resorted to selling her belongings before finally accepting the grim reality of sex work to provide for her young daughter. "Every day, I pray for a way out," she lamented, reflecting the struggles faced by countless women in Myanmar.

Conclusion

The increase in sex work among educated women illuminates the depth of the current crisis in Myanmar. As economic conditions worsen and the fight for democracy continues, the stories of these women serve as a grim reminder of the cost of conflict and the resilience required to survive.