Something that I often noticed in the working class amongst Peruvians in Lima is that they often worked as vendors in supermarkets or street markets, sometimes selling food on the street. As we took a trip to Ica this was even further reinforced as I noticed not only a huge female presence in the shopping sector but also in hospitality overall ( lavanderias that we walked past, restaurants, and even our hotels). In Pisac, these women were often dressed up and walked around with llamas asking people who passed by if they wanted to take a picture. Unsurprisingly, they often would have their young children ( especially daughters) with them to help in either getting a propina ( a tip) or getting passersby to take a picture with a baby llama that the young daughters often were responsible for, or at least it seemed. However, it wasn’t until we got to Cusco that I was shocked by a new occupation that was just about on every street and corner advertised heavily and repetitively by women of all ages: the service of massages.
During our first day in Cusco we as a class were explained that the women who were on the street with signs advertising for massages weren’t actual massage therapists, but rather prostitutes. It is important to take note of the fact that Cusco’s economy depends on tourism, there isn’t any particular production or specialization that they are known for in terms of products. Instead, there are many restaurants, shopping, guided tours, and housing accommodations. In Peru, prostitution is legal and regulated by the government. After a quick internet search, I discovered that it is legal as long as it is in licensed brothels and the workers are over the age of 18.
Interestingly enough, the way that these “messages” were advertised seemed to me that it was an undercover service that was not licensed. This is a stark difference from the United States where prostitution is illegal, however, because of that there is a lot of sex human trafficking that is very common. The illegality of prostitution in the United States allowed modern human sex slaves to exist that are often trafficked within and outside of the United States. I reminded myself that it was easy to judge something different from what I am used to in the States, but I mostly felt worry and sadness for the women.
On one hand, I knew that what they were doing was their livelihood and a way to support their family. On the other hand, I could not escape the thought of the psychological damage and physical abuse that they might experience during their days on the streets. As a class, we were also explained that those who are prostitutes were often forced into this kind of lifestyle so that they could support their families and because of extenuating circumstances that they may have faced. As I continue to walk down the streets I hear women offering “massages” for 20 soles ( around $5.40 in USD) and I am often saddened by the situation, but even more so by girls who look younger than 16 standing on those streets.
Recently, I passed a woman offering massages while a younger girl ( perhaps her daughter) was standing by her, not even a block down I saw another mother offering massages while her son stood by her side. I cannot fathom how many people that they offer these massages to in a day and if they are being paid. Another thought that often occurs to me is who are the people that these women ( and sometimes men) work for and if the legalization of prostitution has anything to do with the domestic violence and incest that occurs in Peru, similar to what the movie “Madeinusa” displayed. As we walked past the pair one of my classmates stated that she didn't even want to think about it. As I reflect on that, I am reminded of how uncomfortable it can be to accept the law and individual choice in a foreign country. Is it fair as a foreigner to turn your back on something just because it makes you uncomfortable and it is a reality you do not want to accept? I think this varies on the person, but it is something that one must be aware of as they are traveling.
Once again, I am left thinking about the United States and human trafficking. Certainly, in Peru prostitution is legalized, but many in other countries and the US are forced into this type of work not because of a necessity to support their family, but because they were kidnapped. For Peruvian girls and women, this type of work may save them from extreme poverty, but it poses the challenge of long-term mental health effects and traumas.
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