Sex workers march in Mexico City against World Cup construction disruptions

Dozens of sex workers marched through Mexico City on Tuesday, protesting the negative impacts of construction for the upcoming World Cup and demanding dignified work, housing, and healthcare. The demonstration coincided with the International Day of Sex Work.

Carrying signs and chanting slogans like "If there is no solution, the ball will not roll" and "We want housing, the World Cup means nothing to us," the protesters marched from the Angel of Independence towards the Palace of Fine Arts. They accuse the city government of deteriorating their income and living conditions due to infrastructure work on Calzada de Tlalpan, a major avenue where many have worked for decades.

"The law on works establishes that any megaproject affecting the local population must undergo a damage mitigation study and compensation when people's income is affected," stated Ana, a participant in the march. The sex worker organizations present consider themselves part of a broader movement in Latin America advocating for human rights, access to health services, and protection against violence. They use the term "sex work" to distinguish voluntary activity from trafficking and exploitation.

Protesters expressed concern that the World Cup could increase sex trafficking and forced prostitution, emphasizing their own fight against these issues as independent workers. They reported being displaced from their work areas on Tlalpan, leading to income reductions of up to 90% and homelessness for some.

The marchers also connected their demands to other social struggles, including those of teachers from the National Coordinating Committee of Education Workers (CNTE), and called for support from the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. The city is currently undertaking a project to build an elevated park and a cycle path on Tlalpan, leading to the Mexico City Stadium, which will host the World Cup's opening match.