Prostitution in Cuba: A Way of Survival

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This investigation explains why Cubans resort to prostitution and the situation for prostitutes trying to make a living. The Impunity Observer spoke with four Cubans on the island, three of them working in prostitution. One works in tourism where she can witness interaction with locals. Due to fears of identification and reprisal, they all requested anonymity.

Key Findings:

• Despite the regime’s ban and never-ending efforts to end prostitution, it is a common practice for Cubans. They continue to resist prohibition to survive amid scarce opportunities, food, and medicine.

• Prostitutes (commonly known as jineteros) and pimps offer their services chiefly to tourists, who are able to spend more on sexual services. Therefore, sex workers usually wander tourist plazas, bars, and streets. A Cuban hotel worker told the Impunity Observer.

  “There are plenty of jineteros in Havana because it is the easiest alternative to make money and buy stuff such as groceries.”

• There is no established price for sexual services, as jineteros and customers reach an agreement before proceeding to have intercourse. Prostitutes, if they work with pimps, must pay them fees for help getting customers.

• Prostitutes and pimps face multiple challenges and dangers such as getting arrested or scammed or contracting sexually transmitted diseases. The scarcity of protection implements such as condoms is a factor that exacerbates the dangers.