Voicing the Voiceless: Photovoice and Standpoint Feminism Unveiling the Stigmatization of Ex-Sex Workers

Abstract

The closure of Dolly's localization did not eradicate the stigma attached to women who are former sex workers. Discussion around the issue of women sex workers often focused on discrimination and violence. However, it paid little attention to the challenges of individuals struggling to achieve autonomy and human rights after leaving prostitution. The research aims to understand how former sex workers navigate stigma and reclaim their autonomy and human rights after the closure of Dolly's localization. Ten women identified needs, aspirations, concerns, and issues related to their lives, using Standpoint Feminism Theory to position them as authorities on their experiences. The research voices the three themes: (1) public and self-stigma, (2) positive motherhood narratives in combating stigma, and (3) strategies in responding to stigma. The photovoice method empowers participants to tell their stories directly and accurately, fostering a participatory knowledge process between researchers and participants. The study contributes to expanding the discussion on the reintegration of women affected by post-prostitution, filling gaps in existing literature on empowerment and stigma reduction strategies.