The present focus is mostly laid on high risk behavior of commercial sex workers without any consideration of
their location, educational status and other socio-cultural norms. Thus, we designed a study to understand socio
demographic characteristics, lifestyle of female sex workers and search for driving factors for prostitution in
eastern Nepal. A descriptive study was conducted in three districts of Eastern Nepal in 2012 over the period of
six months. The data regarding their socio demographic characteristics, income, reason for joining sex trade
and future choice regarding the profession were recorded from 210 female sex workers through face-to-face
interviews. Majority (53.3%) of respondents belonged to the productive age group of 20-29 years, more than
one thirds (43.3%) had not received any form of formal education and were unmarried. More than half (53.80%)
were presently living alone and about one thirds of the women (31.90%) were minors when they joined this
profession. Major portion of the sample (94.80%) worked more than three days a week with median income of
15 thousand per month and 41 percent had sex with more than or equal to ten clients per week. Poor economic
condition was the most frequent (47.6%) factor leading to joining of sex trade however, more than two thirds,
(72.80%) wanted to quit the profession. Given low level of education, relatively low income, and young age
among this population, empowerment and alternative employment/education opportunities should be created
to develop this part of Nepalese society