The concept of empowerment is subjective.

People have different perspectives

regarding it; what’s empowering for someone, may not for others. It is not one-size-
fits-all, so you cannot dictate what type of wardrobe will make someone feel
confident; what job is more empowering; what step must they take to make them feel
more empowered.

According to “Measuring Empowerment: Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives” by

Narayan, D. (2005), the word empowerment may have attributes that are accepted by
society, but how it is perceived by individuals may vary. Thus, sex work can be
empowering for some but not for others. It is empowering in the sense that this work
allows them to make their own decisions with their bodies and makes them feel free
to express their sexuality. In addition to that, it is an opportunity for them to gain
money and earn a living. It makes them feel worthy because they benefit the
customers as well as themselves. However, some people believe that it is disrespectful
to yourself and your own body. According to Paterman, C. (2006), prostitution is a
manifestation of patriarchy because it allows men to owns women temporarily. Also,
she believed that selling your sex is like selling yourself too.

In my personal opinion, I don’t find sex work empowering because I felt like
sex workers are being objectified by their customers. I believe that sex is about
making love because it is a sacred thing for me.

Nonetheless, it is how I perceive empowerment but it does not mean that we

should discriminate against sex workers because again, we are diverse. We should
respect different opinions and choices in life. Not because it is not empowering for
you, it doesn't mean that it is wrong.

Reference:

Bell, K., (2009). A Feminist's Argument On How Sex Work Can Benefit
Women. Inquiries Journal. Retrieved from:
http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/28/a-feminists-argument-on-how-sex-work-
can-benefit-women

Village Earth. (n.d). Literature Review: Theories of Empowerment. Retrieved

from: https://villageearth.org/training/literature-review-theories-of-empowerment/