Photo of the week: sex workers’ safety at stake

In Bangladesh, prostitution is legal as long as the individual is at least 18 years old. However, the widespread abuse of a drug called Oradexon, a drug usually used to fatten cattle, has meant that younger girls (some as young as twelve) employed as sex workers are able to seem older and more attractive to clients.

Bobi says she has been given Oradexon by her madam as soon as she arrived at the brothel.

Oradexon is a steroid that helps these girls initially gain weight. But it also puts these girls at risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, rashes and can lead to renal failure. The drug is quite addictive, with users reporting that when they stop taking it, they get harsh withdrawal symptoms such as fevers and stomach aches. Oradexon is also easily available and quite inexpensive so anyone is able to purchase it. 

Often, these younger girls are forced to take Oradexon so they look older than what they are. However, many girls take the drug willingly because they believe it makes them more attractive to clients. Sixteen year old Bobi (pictured) is naive about the risks of taking Oradexon. She says “I have already become healthy after taking the Oradexon tablet everyday”.

ActionAid has started a campaign in brothels in Bangladesh to raise awareness of the dangers of the drug and help the women who are addicted to it. ActionAid is also working with the local drug administration and doctors to raise understanding about the risks of taking Oradexon.