Socio-cultural challenges and mental health needs of female sex workers in Bangladesh: a call for culturally sensitive interventions.

Abstract

Female sex workers (FSW) in Bangladesh face multifaceted socio-cultural, legal, and economic challenges that significantly impact their mental health and well-being. With an estimated population of 200,000, FSW enter the profession primarily due to poverty, trafficking, forced marriage, and gender-based violence. The legal status of sex work remains ambiguous, exposing FSW to exploitation, violence, and limited access to justice. Stigma rooted in religious and cultural beliefs leads to exclusion from community and religious life, while children of FSW face social rejection and educational barriers. Studies report high prevalence of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders among Bangladeshi FSW, yet access to mental health services remains limited due to provider bias, legal obstacles, and lack of tailored interventions. Systemic barriers also restrict access to healthcare, banking, welfare, and vocational training. Addressing these issues requires culturally sensitive, community-based mental health interventions, including peer-led support, trauma-informed care, and sensitization of service providers. Policy reforms to decriminalize sex work and promote human rights are essential for sustainable change. Future research should explore community-driven strategies, the role of religious institutions in stigma reduction, and the specific needs of FSW and their children to inform effective, inclusive interventions and policy development.