What do female casual sex workers need? : the contribution of development assistance to the safety of female casual sex workers in Malindi, Kenya : a critical appraisal

Abstract

The recurring concern of exploitation presents a challenge when exploring the realities of the sex trade. African society generally accepts that the sex trade, which has been in existence for a long time, is a social problem.” Findings suggest that this is true even though the respondents showed antagonism towards the booming sex trade of Malindi. The research conducted uncovered the risks that female casual sex workers face and the work that development organisations in the area are conducting with them. The study explored the phenomenon of the sex trade in Malindi and how female sex workers are more at risk of sexual violence and of being trafficked for sexual exploitation because of their involvement in the trade. I am hoping that my research will inform development organisations in Malindi in addressing the various needs of casual sex workers in terms of their safety, protection and rights and in turn aiding their service design or re-design and the implementation of programs that are required by these female casual sex workers to avoid being targeted as victims. The findings show that although local organisations do work with sex workers to provide for their safety and security, they are still lacking in paying attention to the agency of these females who become involved in the trade for a variety of reasons especially those pertaining to socio-economic needs.