Domenica Niehoff (May 8, 1943 - February 10, 2009) was a German prostitute, feminist, and social worker who was a prominent advocate for the rights of sex workers. Born in Essen, Germany, Niehoff was raised in a strict Catholic family and was deeply affected by her father’s alcoholism. After leaving school at the age of 15, she began working in various jobs, including as a nurse.
In the late 1960s, Niehoff began to work as a prostitute and eventually became the leader of the German sex workers’ rights movement. She was a strong advocate for the decriminalization of prostitution and argued for the recognition of the right of sex workers to be treated as independent entrepreneurs. She was also a vocal supporter of women’s rights and was one of the first people to suggest that prostitution should be considered a legitimate form of work.
In the 1970s, Niehoff founded the first German prostitutes’ union and opened the first brothel in the country. She also founded a number of organizations dedicated to helping sex workers, including the Women’s Health and Education Center, the Women’s Counseling Center, and the Prostitutes’ Legal Aid Center. She was also a major force in the German feminist movement and wrote several books on the subject.
In the 1980s, Niehoff became a major media figure and was the subject of many books and documentaries. She became a celebrity in Germany, appearing on television and in magazines. She also wrote a weekly column in the magazine Stern. In the 1990s, she turned her attention to social work and developed an aid program to help women and children in need.
Niehoff died in 2009 at the age of 65 after a long illness. She was widely mourned in Germany and was remembered for her courage and commitment to social justice. Her legacy continues to inspire many people, especially those in the sex work and feminist movements.
