The statue is named Belle, and is the worlds first and only monument dedicated to sex workers.
The Netherlands is one of the few countries in the world where prostitution is legal and regulated.
In Amsterdam, De Wallen is the largest and best known red-light district.
Mariska was sixteen year old when she was drawn to the world of prostitution.
At that age, she did not think of sex work as demeaning.
She saw it as work and was happy with the high earnings.
The statue was unveiled to the public during the Red Light Districts 2nd Annual Open Day.
The plaque on Belle reads: “Respect sex workers all over the world”.
The sculpture was set in the cobblestone in February 1993 by an anonymous artist.
Photo credit:Stacey/Wikimedia
De Wallen red-light district in Amsterdam.
Photo credit:Or Hiltch/Flickr
De Wallen red-light district in Amsterdam.
Photo credit:Rungbachduong/Wikimedia
Sources:Wikipedia/www.pic-amsterdam.com/www.dutchamsterdam.nl
