The dire consequences of Myanmar's ongoing civil conflict are forcing a shocking shift among educated professionals. Following a military coup that took place in February 2021, the nation’s economy plummeted, pushing many, including those with advanced degrees, into sex work as a means of survival.
One such individual is May, a 26-year-old doctor who had dedicated seven years to her medical education. Just one month after securing her first job, May saw her dreams dissolve as economic chaos commenced. With her father battling kidney disease and her salary of $415 per month becoming increasingly insufficient amidst rampant inflation and rising living costs, May's desperation grew palpable.
In her challenging circumstances, she encountered "date girls" — women earning twice her wage through sex work. The choice was painful but seemingly necessary. “It’s difficult to accept that, despite all my years of study to become a doctor, I’m now doing this kind of work just to make ends meet,” she confessed, choosing to remain anonymous.
The World Bank estimates that nearly half of Myanmar’s population now lives below the poverty line, with economic indicators spiraling downward due to inflation rates hitting 26% this year. Contributing factors like power shortages, flooding, and decreased trade have further exacerbated the situation. As the national currency, the kyat, lost 40% of its value against the dollar, traditional professions are increasingly untenable.
This grim reality has opened the door for a disturbing phenomenon: the emergence of a new group of women entering sex work, comprised of skilled positions such as teachers, doctors, and nurses. The transition from respected professions to the shadows of society underscores the devastating impact of the ongoing military conflict in Myanmar, where professional qualifications no longer guarantee a pathway to stability.
