One thing that many visitors to the Czech Republic are taken aback by is the amount of prostitution that can be found in the country β a problem that has only been exacerbated by the arrival of a free market economy. This also goes hand in hand with the problem of human trafficking, which is still a very real issue in the country.
In the Czech Republic prostitution is not illegal, but unlike other countries there are not even any regulations governing it, such as mandatory health checks. Prostitution is a thriving trade here and Prague has, in fact, acquired quite a name across Europe as a centre for sleaze. Although the cost of sexual encounters is more compared with other East European countries like Lithuania, Poland, Romania or Latvia, the beauty of the Czech women appeals to certain sections of the sex tourist market.
A favourite stomping ground for Prostitutes is Wenceslas Square and the surrounding streets. A new trend has recently formed where the sex trade is gradually moving away from the streets into private flats where sex is offered and Escort Agencies also cover a lot of prostitution. Perhaps the areas where prostitution is most visible is on the roads leading to border towns such as Cheb and Dubi, where scores of women can be seen lining the streets clad in skimpy outfits, even during the cold winters.
Although it is a torrid life for these women, the government has done very little to counter the problem. The main problem for governments is that they will face the wrath of organized crime should they place regulation on the industry.
They are also worried about the political ramifications of targeting this area of society, even though they are under immense pressure from international agencies to do so. To me it seems strange. The women stay with men who do nothing, while the women do the brunt of paid work, child care, housework etc. The men try to maintain machismo, but come off as foolish little boys. Women are expected to stare down a man or have someone defend her if he insults her.
