Crossing Continents - Colombia's webcam women

Colombia’s second largest city, Medellín, is booming and one of the biggest industries revolves around the city’s live webcam studios which 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 perform.

The work is legal with studios running glossy websites to attract models - and even hosting their own annual trade show. Though despite its success, Colombia's president has himself criticised the country's burgeoning industry.

Sofia Bettiza meets two women with contrasting experiences of the webcam business, and 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 where opportunities are limited.

Presented and produced by Sofia Bettiza
Produced by Bob Howard
Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Penny Murphy and Richard Fenton-Smith

Published on Tuesday, 20th May 2025.

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