The exploitation of marginalised sex workers is a reality that global summits and elite gatherings conveniently ignore. At Davos 2025, while world leaders preached gender equality and economic inclusion, escort businesses in Switzerland witnessed an unprecedented surge.
World leaders and top industry executives gathered in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24 for the annual World Economic Forum (WEF). Over 3,000 business and industry leaders from more than 130 countries discussed global security, the fourth industrial revolution, climate change, and women’s health and empowerment. But behind the grand speeches on inclusive economies and panel discussions, a different kind of “after-hours” economy was noticeably active.
According to the First Post, escort businesses in Davos saw a sharp rise in demand during the forum. High-profile attendees reportedly sought out sex parties, with non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) becoming routine for prostitutes and transgender women. The same executives advocating for women’s rights and marginalisation on stage were allegedly willing to spend anywhere from Rs 2.9 crore to Rs 9.68 crore for a four-hour session of private “companionship.”
Exploitation of marginalised sex workers: Surge in escort bookings at Davos
Major global summits often see a rise in escort services. Andreas Berger, spokesperson for Titt4tat, reported that 300 escorts, including trans women, were booked during the event, an increase from 170 in 2024. He also noted a growing trend of participants insisting on NDAs to maintain discretion. According to Berger, escorts booked through his agency alone earned around CHF 300,000 (Rs 2.9 crore) in just three days, while the overall escort industry brought in nearly CHF 1 million (Rs 9.68 crore).
The standard session lasted about four hours, with bookings through one website alone generating an estimated €270,000 (Rs 2.9 crore) within the first three days. Some sex workers reportedly made as much as £6,000 (Rs 6.5 lakh) from a single booking. However, the accurate figures could be even higher, as multiple agencies operated during the event.
NDAs, power plays, and exploitation
Escort industry revenues at Davos might look impressive, but they only tell one part of the story. While prostitution has been legal in Switzerland since the 1940s, the system has largely benefited the elite at the expense of marginalised groups. Wealthy clients secure their anonymity through non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), leaving little transparency about what actually happens behind closed doors.
NDAs are not just about privacy; they create a legal shield that protects high-profile clients while leaving sex workers vulnerable. These agreements can be used to silence individuals, making it nearly impossible to verify whether coercion, abuse, or violations of consent have occurred. The imbalance of power is evident. Those with money set the rules, while those providing services have little choice but to comply.
Exploitation of marginalised sex workers: The language barrier
Language barriers add another layer of exploitation. Many NDAs are written in English, despite the fact that not all sex workers in Switzerland speak or read the language fluently. This practice raises serious concerns about informed consent. If someone cannot fully understand the terms they are agreeing to, can their consent truly be valid? The use of English in contracts, in a country where it is not the primary language, only makes it easier for powerful clients to take advantage of sex workers.
Advocacy vs. Exploitation: The WEF’s double standard
Sex work may be legal, but the activities surrounding it often cross legal and ethical boundaries. Escort agencies have observed that men with higher professional or social status engage in violent behaviour against women. That is because they feel a sense of entitlement or believe they can act without consequences. This power dynamic has led to physical attacks on escorts, sometimes under the guise of fulfilling extreme BDSM fetishes.
Legal recognition does not guarantee the safety of sex workers. Society’s deep-rooted stigma against their profession exposes them to constant risks, including gender-based violence. Many sex workers avoid reporting abuse. That is because they fear discrimination, legal trouble, or losing their income. Instead of protection, they often face blame. That makes it even harder for them to access the services and rights they should have. Without real social and legal support, their vulnerability remains, regardless of what the law says.
On one hand, the WEF advocates women’s rights, discussing how to support women economically and socially. On the other, some of the same leaders pushing for gender equality are the ones enabling an industry that exploits marginalised women and transgender people.
Changeincontent perspective
At Changeincontent.com, we believe that real change demands accountability. The Davos forum, a space meant to advocate for human rights and equality, ironically fosters an underground economy that thrives on power imbalances, gender disparity, and exploitation.
Yes, sex work is legal in Switzerland, but legality does not equal safety. When NDAs protect wealthy clients while leaving sex workers vulnerable, this is not empowerment—it is systemic abuse. The exploitation of marginalised sex workers is not just about money; it is about who has control and who is silenced.
The bigger hypocrisy is that many of these leaders, who discuss corporate ethics and women’s rights on stage, are the ones sustaining an industry built on unchecked power. If the WEF and similar summits truly stand for gender equality, they must first address their own complicity. Until then, all the promises of inclusivity remain nothing more than empty words.
The final thoughts on the exploitation of marginalised sex workers in global summits
Global forums and summits claim to advocate for equality and progress. However, their involvement in perpetuating the exploitation of marginalised sex workers contradicts the very values they promote. There is a very concerning gap between what is said and what is done. It is time to stop applauding these “women’s empowerment summits” while turning a blind eye to the industries that profit from exploitation. If these global forums are genuinely committed to creating change, they need to focus on the systems of power that perpetuate inequality.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content. We broadly define inclusivity as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
