Watch this episode online (Dutch subtitles)

In the Netherlands, prostitution has been legalized and, in many ways, even somewhat normalized. But the Netherlands are said to be a liberal exemption in a world where prostitution is considered a taboo and is often outlawed and actively prosecuted. Is this true, or are such differences exaggerated? Metropolis TV takes a look into the world of prostitution.

In Masaya, Nicaragua for instance, no one would ever admit publicly to have visited Chico’s brothel, but much to the surprise of our reporter, everyone knows exactly how to get there. And in Berlin, Germany we’re introduced to Molly Luft, nationally known price-fighting prostitute who is picking up her old profession at age 65.

But most women who sell themselves do so out of necessity. How did they wind up being a prostitute, and how do they cope with the job? In Kenya we’ll witness the sad story of Margaret in Nairobi, who works in the sex industry. And our correspondent in Morocco talks to prostitutes working in the red light district of Casablanca. In a country as Islamic as Morocco prostitution is strictly forbidden, and prostitutes live a risky life, bribing cops and sometimes even getting robbed by customers.

This week on Metropolis TV: the oldest and most controversial profession in the world.