Colombia's webcam women

Available for over a year

Colombia’s second largest city, Medellín, is booming and one of the biggest industries revolves around the city’s webcam studios which live stream women performing sex acts. It’s estimated there are hundreds of studios in the city employing thousands of women and turning over millions of pounds as men – primarily in the US and Europe – pay to watch the women. The work is legal with studios running glossy websites to attract models and even hosting their own annual trade show. Crossing Continents meets two women who have contrasting experiences working in the industry. Sofia Bettiza asks if their work is exploitation or a pragmatic way to earn a living in a country where wages for women are often low and opportunities limited. Presented and produced by Sofia Bettiza Produced by Bob Howard Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Penny Murphy and Richard Fenton-Smith (Image: Webcam model in Medellin. Credit: BBC/ Sofia Bettiza)