Sex workers report surge in demand during World Rally Championship in Jyväskylä

Weeks before the rally, the first inquiries began rolling in. “I posted my travel plans online, and queries started coming in the same day,” said Silja, who travels from her hometown to Jyväskylä during the World Rally Championship to provide sex work.

Silja mentioned she accepts clients in other cities outside of event times if she has multiple bookings lined up. Interviewed sex workers remain anonymous to protect their privacy, but their identities are known to the editorial team. According to the sex and erotic services support organization Pro Tukipiste and the police, the buying and selling of sex often increases during major public events.

Silja reports a significant surge in messages during rally weekends—at least 40 related to the event compared to about ten during a typical weekend. She noted that the clientele differs, as younger individuals often reach out after festivities, seeking services. However, Silja has a clear policy: clients must be sober, disregarding drunk inquiries.

Windy Lilith, another sex worker, agrees that demand escalates as the rally approaches, reporting that inquiries have been unusually polite. She emphasizes that events, particularly those attracting older male audiences, drive demand for sex services in the area.

While Windy will miss the rally weekend earnings due to being in another city, Silja plans to see as many clients as possible during the event, sticking to a strict schedule.

Both women affirm they pay taxes on their income, hoping that compliance with the law reduces stigma around their work. They express a desire for clearer legislation in the sector to facilitate the work of voluntary sex workers while complicating the operations of illegal activities.