They have renamed one of the major parks in the city  Prostitutes' Plaza and a book has been  launched about  abuse and exploitation.

The women have been marching and handing out condoms.

It is part of a national campaign to admit  prostitution exists and provide better security for  women involved.

On the city street maps, the park is called Mercy Plaza but the locals all call it Once Plaza, since it
sits at the heart of the working-class Once neighbourhood.

Only now the women who, come nightfall, work around here have renamed it Prostitutes' Plaza.

'Taking control'

On the ground by the main statue they have daubed the words "No woman is born a prostitute".

It is the title of a book published by two women, Sonia Sanchez and Maria Galindo, which looks at
Argentine society and the role prostitution plays within it.

"We're taking control of the streets," said Maria.

"It's a small but important step."

Sonia said: "We're saying enough is enough.
Prostitution isn't a job. It's sexual exploitation and it's big business."

Other slogans daubed, then painted over, around the square read: "The pimps rule here" and "Here they exploit the bodies of girls, and the police do nothing".

BBC NEWS, UK