In February , Nina — who is in her mids — quit sex work. A month later, she started full-time work in customer service with the help of non-profit organisation Project X. Nina not her real name is one of those who have benefited from a Project X programme called The Next Step, which was set up in October to help sex workers looking to find alternative career pathways. Such programmes aim to help vulnerable communities get out of a cycle of vulnerability and make better lives for themselves, said an NCSS spokesperson.
The programme aims to reach out to 30 participants in its second year, and get more inclusive employers on board to provide job tasters and part-time job opportunities. Project X social worker Tok Kheng Leng told The Straits Times that sex workers first undergo an interview to assess their suitability for the programme and to understand their motivations and challenges.
The type of sex work they do varies — some are sugar babies, while others are streetwalkers or work in brothels. Through the programme, they receive career coaching and pick up skills such as financial literacy and resume writing.
The programme is free and anybody who does some form of sex work is eligible, although foreigners must have long-term residency in Singapore. Ideally, people spend at least six months in the programme and, depending on their goals, end up either gaining a skill or finding a full-time job, said Ms Tok.
However, some sex workers may find it difficult to get a mainstream job because of the stigma against sex work, or because they have a criminal record. While sex work is legal in Singapore, many peripheral activities such as pimping and soliciting are criminalised.
