Narratives of managing security threat and harassment among sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Most researchers studying sex work have focused on the risks of sexually transmitted diseases, predominantly HIV, for sex workers, their clients, and subsequent partners. Security threats and Harassment against sex workers often go undocumented and unnoticed. Consequently, few researchers have addressed security threats and harassment against sex workers, and these few have generated limited evidence about the nature of security threat and harassment from the sex-worker’s perspective. In this study, we used qualitative methods to explore the characteristics of security threats and harassment against sex workers and how such dangers influence their personal and societal health risks. The participants were selected using purposive, snowball and direct sampling techniques. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with 38 sex workers. The results revealed that security threat and harassment against sex workers could be clustered into five categories, security threat and harassment from other sex workers, clients, relatives or partners of the clients, law enforcers, and vigilante groups and support staff in establishments where sex work takes place. Because they are disadvantaged and engage in illegal employment, these sex workers were trapped in a circle of threats. To reduce security threats and Harassment, sex work should be decriminalized along with strategies to decrease poverty and social inequality. Sex workers’ labor rights must be promoted, including through occupational health and safety standards. A specialized agency needs to be established to protect the rights and safety of sex workers. Finally, Policy and programming should invest in communities to promote collectivization and sex worker capacity through legal literacy and access to justice.