The Dutch city of Eindhoven is set to pioneer a controversial scheme aimed at encouraging prostitutes to find alternative forms of work.
The scheme involves rewarding participation in incentives such as assertiveness classes and workshops on alternative jobs with vouchers which can then be exchanged for items such as furniture or clothing.
This voucher scheme has prompted strong reaction from the Dutch media, who have labeled the scheme ‘whore miles’.
Holland has an infamously liberal attitude towards prostitution; however, this is set to change as several Dutch cities are planning to close down their red light districts.
The city of Eindhoven plans to close the zone for street prostitutes by 2011.
Veronique Beurskens, a member of the city council said: “We needed to come up with incentives that these women might latch on to.”
The council is also looking at plans for a fashion label designed exclusively by prostitutes as another scheme to encourage a reduction in prostitution.
