In many parts of the world, conversations around sex work remain deeply polarised, shaped by legal restrictions, cultural stigma, and ongoing debates about labour rights, exploitation, and personal agency.
It is within this global context that identical twins Martine and Louise Fokkens, widely known as the world’s oldest sex workers, have opened up about their decades-long careers in Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District, offering insight into a profession often hidden from public view.
Now retired, the Dutch twins built a reputation over nearly 50 years in the sex industry, becoming among the most recognizable figures in the city.
Dubbed the “oldest window girls in Holland,” the sisters claim they collectively serviced more than 355,000 clients, highlighting the scale and longevity of their work.
The pair described an underground world marked by unusual encounters and unexpected clients.
Among the most memorable was a man who identified himself as a “filthy little gnome,” while in another case, a client who attempted to flee without paying reportedly left behind a prosthetic leg, only to return later to settle the debt.
Their journey into sex work began under contrasting circumstances. Louise, the first to enter the trade, says she was introduced to it at 17 by her husband, who pushed her to “try it out.”
Despite family objections, she continued, eventually becoming established in the industry. Her twin sister Martine initially resisted but later followed a similar path.
Martine’s decision came years later amid financial pressure. While working as a cleaner in a brothel, she was frequently approached by clients but declined.
However, after her husband lost his job during a construction strike, the family faced financial hardship. With her sister already in the trade, Martine said the transition felt less daunting.
Over time, the twins expanded their ventures, operating their own brothel alongside a traditional Dutch restaurant.
They also became known for their distinctive style, including thigh-high leather boots, which reportedly attracted additional charges from clients.
The physical demands of the work ultimately influenced their retirement at age 70. Louise cited arthritis that made certain activities painful, while Martine pointed to declining business as a key reason for stepping away.
Even after retiring, Martine maintained a relationship with a long-time client, describing the weekly visits as routine.
Reflecting on their upbringing, the twins said growing up in Amsterdam meant the Red Light District was seen as part of everyday life rather than a taboo. Raised in a low-income household, they viewed sex work as a practical means of survival.
Their account provides a rare perspective into a controversial industry, highlighting both the economic realities and personal experiences that shape it.