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commercial-sex-workers-an-overview-of-the-terminology-and-intervention-design

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Suresh Murugan
Suresh Murugan

This document provides an overview of terminology related to commercial sex work, background information on sex work and the vulnerability of sex workers, and components of successful interventions. It defines key terms, describes the historical and social context of sex work, outlines types of sex work and factors contributing to vulnerability, and recommends adopting a mixed strategies approach including outreach, health services, peer education, advocacy and addressing socioeconomic drivers when designing interventions.

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Sexual Health & Commercial Sex Workers An overview of the Terminology & Intervention Design Niamh Barry Niamh.barry85@gmail.com May 2008
Woman of the life, a prostitute am I. Ageless, I may be a child, a teenager, or an adult, known, discriminated, and forgotten. Plying my trade on the city square, on the street, on the sidewalk, or on the beach, I play to the fantasies of others, but forget my own..... Hunger and despair have driven me to this nocturnal life. Cast out, harassed, and disillusioned, I act my part in a serial novel of disgrace, in this cursed society. Leaving me helpless in this perilous life, justice also forsakes me. Enslaved, duped, and despised, I am afraid, I have dreams, but I am a turned page, ripped out of the serial novel of disgrace. Still I say with grace that I too am part of this ruthless society. Rosarina Sampaio Leader of the Ceará State Association of Prostitutes Brazil
Definition of CSW Terms • Varies from context to context but in the MOST general and BROAD sense it relates to: “female, male and transgender adults and young people who receive money or goods in exchange for sexual services, either regularly or occasionally, and who may or may not consciously define those activities as income-generating.“ • The term sex worker has gained popularity over prostitute As those involved feel that it is less stigmatizing and say that the reference to work better describes their experience. • But often associated with only females….problematic.
Background of Sex Work • From historical times to present times CSWs have existed: this is not a ‘modern phenomenon’! • Their very existence in society indicates they serve a function (simple supply-demand). • But are a highly stigmatised group-challenging basic family and sexual morality. • Have been relegated to the margins of society, abused ,exploited & rights restricted as Citizens. • HIV/AIDS-targeted as vectors of disease & clients as unwitting victims. • CSWs tangled in webs of Stigma, shame and legality have been often left untouched in HIV programming
Types of sex work • Formal (organized) or informal’(not organized). • Formal sex work is establishment-based and managers and/or pimps act as clearly defined authorities and as intermediaries between the sex worker and client. Often found in Asia (brothels , bars, masseuse parlours) • Informal sex workers, such as streetwalkers and selfemployed call-girls or -boys, usually find their clients independently • Occasional sex workers perform another type of informal sex work. They may sell or trade sex to meet short-term economic needs (e.g. school tuition, a family financial crisis). This type of sex work predominates in most African settings, where sex work is less likely to be a full-time occupation
Vulnerability of CSWs In the Context of Sexual Health • • • • • Stigmatization and marginalization limited economic options, in particular for women limited access to health, social and legal services limited access to information and prevention means Gender-related differences and inequalities (Bargaining dynamics) • Sexual exploitation and trafficking • Harmful, or a lack of protective, legislation and policies • Exposure to risks associated with lifestyle (e.g. violence, substance use, mobility)
Before considering interventions, note… • To determine which responses will be appropriate, it is important to understand the forces that drive people into sex work • Many people enter sex work for economic reasons; that is, it may be the only, or the best-paying, employment option • Others are coerced into sex work through violence, trafficking or debt bondage • Some, particularly adults, freely choose sex work as their occupation • Continued…
Before considering interventions, note… • Entry into sex work can also have socially rooted causes that can be traced to traditions, beliefs and norms that perpetuate gender inequalities • Sex work intervention programmes must take into account cultural as well as socioeconomic determinants of entry into sex work • What CSWs want (ESSENTIAL to be included in design) do not assume they wish to discontinue sex work. baseline qual & quant data • Courage and commitment is also fundamental.
Components of Successful Interventions • Use a mix of strategies. The effective key strategies that have been identified to date are: – Promotion of safer sexual behavior among sex workers, clients & institutions or groups associated with sex workers, such as police and sex workers’ partners – Condom availability and correct use-negotiation skillssupportive policies – Promotion and availability of STI prevention and care services – Outreach work that includes health, social and legal services – Peer education among sex workers, clients and associated groups – Care of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) – Advocacy for policy and law reform at national and local levels, including respect of human rights.
Activity Designing your own program/campaign to mitigate the vulnerability of CSW in Zambia. CSWs can be: male, female or transgender and youths and adults Vulnerability could refer to: Sexual and reproductive health, STDs, HIV, abuse, trafficking, poverty and inadequate protection from the law

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commercial-sex-workers-an-overview-of-the-terminology-and-intervention-design

  • 1. Sexual Health & Commercial Sex Workers An overview of the Terminology & Intervention Design Niamh Barry Niamh.barry85@gmail.com May 2008
  • 2. Woman of the life, a prostitute am I. Ageless, I may be a child, a teenager, or an adult, known, discriminated, and forgotten. Plying my trade on the city square, on the street, on the sidewalk, or on the beach, I play to the fantasies of others, but forget my own..... Hunger and despair have driven me to this nocturnal life. Cast out, harassed, and disillusioned, I act my part in a serial novel of disgrace, in this cursed society. Leaving me helpless in this perilous life, justice also forsakes me. Enslaved, duped, and despised, I am afraid, I have dreams, but I am a turned page, ripped out of the serial novel of disgrace. Still I say with grace that I too am part of this ruthless society. Rosarina Sampaio Leader of the Ceará State Association of Prostitutes Brazil
  • 3. Definition of CSW Terms • Varies from context to context but in the MOST general and BROAD sense it relates to: “female, male and transgender adults and young people who receive money or goods in exchange for sexual services, either regularly or occasionally, and who may or may not consciously define those activities as income-generating.“ • The term sex worker has gained popularity over prostitute As those involved feel that it is less stigmatizing and say that the reference to work better describes their experience. • But often associated with only females….problematic.
  • 4. Background of Sex Work • From historical times to present times CSWs have existed: this is not a ‘modern phenomenon’! • Their very existence in society indicates they serve a function (simple supply-demand). • But are a highly stigmatised group-challenging basic family and sexual morality. • Have been relegated to the margins of society, abused ,exploited & rights restricted as Citizens. • HIV/AIDS-targeted as vectors of disease & clients as unwitting victims. • CSWs tangled in webs of Stigma, shame and legality have been often left untouched in HIV programming
  • 5. Types of sex work • Formal (organized) or informal’(not organized). • Formal sex work is establishment-based and managers and/or pimps act as clearly defined authorities and as intermediaries between the sex worker and client. Often found in Asia (brothels , bars, masseuse parlours) • Informal sex workers, such as streetwalkers and selfemployed call-girls or -boys, usually find their clients independently • Occasional sex workers perform another type of informal sex work. They may sell or trade sex to meet short-term economic needs (e.g. school tuition, a family financial crisis). This type of sex work predominates in most African settings, where sex work is less likely to be a full-time occupation
  • 6. Vulnerability of CSWs In the Context of Sexual Health • • • • • Stigmatization and marginalization limited economic options, in particular for women limited access to health, social and legal services limited access to information and prevention means Gender-related differences and inequalities (Bargaining dynamics) • Sexual exploitation and trafficking • Harmful, or a lack of protective, legislation and policies • Exposure to risks associated with lifestyle (e.g. violence, substance use, mobility)
  • 7. Before considering interventions, note… • To determine which responses will be appropriate, it is important to understand the forces that drive people into sex work • Many people enter sex work for economic reasons; that is, it may be the only, or the best-paying, employment option • Others are coerced into sex work through violence, trafficking or debt bondage • Some, particularly adults, freely choose sex work as their occupation • Continued…
  • 8. Before considering interventions, note… • Entry into sex work can also have socially rooted causes that can be traced to traditions, beliefs and norms that perpetuate gender inequalities • Sex work intervention programmes must take into account cultural as well as socioeconomic determinants of entry into sex work • What CSWs want (ESSENTIAL to be included in design) do not assume they wish to discontinue sex work. baseline qual & quant data • Courage and commitment is also fundamental.
  • 9. Components of Successful Interventions • Use a mix of strategies. The effective key strategies that have been identified to date are: – Promotion of safer sexual behavior among sex workers, clients & institutions or groups associated with sex workers, such as police and sex workers’ partners – Condom availability and correct use-negotiation skillssupportive policies – Promotion and availability of STI prevention and care services – Outreach work that includes health, social and legal services – Peer education among sex workers, clients and associated groups – Care of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) – Advocacy for policy and law reform at national and local levels, including respect of human rights.
  • 10. Activity Designing your own program/campaign to mitigate the vulnerability of CSW in Zambia. CSWs can be: male, female or transgender and youths and adults Vulnerability could refer to: Sexual and reproductive health, STDs, HIV, abuse, trafficking, poverty and inadequate protection from the law