Unfolding the Vulnerabilities and Challenges of Street Based Female Sex Workers of Dhaka City

ABSTRACT Street‐Based Female Sex Work (SFSWs) refers to a form of prostitution in which sex workers solicit clients in public spaces, most commonly on streets, street corners, or nearby public areas such as parks and benches, in exchange for money, goods, or other benefits. This qualitative study explores the challenges experienced by SFSWs in the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected through 20 in‐depth interviews with female street sex workers using the snowball sampling technique. The thematic analysis revealed that SFSWs encounter numerous forms of vulnerability and hardship in their daily lives. Participants reported experiencing exploitation, harassment, and violence from various actors, including clients, law enforcement officials, security personnel, local thugs, and vagrants. These women are frequently exposed to physical abuse, sexual assault, and other forms of mistreatment, which significantly affect their safety and well‐being. The findings also indicate that the lack of adequate understanding among service providers and relevant stakeholders regarding the complex needs of SFSWs further intensifies their marginalization. The study concludes that addressing the vulnerabilities of this population requires a comprehensive understanding of the broader cultural, structural, and institutional factors that sustain and shape street‐based sex work.