‘We Were Not Earning Enough, So We Started This Job:’ Pathways to Navigate Sex Work in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of cisgender female sex workers (FSWs) in Kathmandu, Nepal, from human rights, political economy, poverty and structural oppression perspectives. Utilising the purposive snowball sampling method, qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 FSWs. The analysis involving holistic and provisional coding methods helped to identify three themes: (a) entering sex work through employer, (b) cycling in and out of sex work to supplement other income and (c) maintaining sex work through secrecy. These findings contain important implications for policy and practice promoting dignity of and right to self-determination by FSWs.