Page 54 - Q1 2021

FEATURE

the trade means taking the power are also as responsible for the and the hostile environment
from the oppressed patriarchal exploitations. they had to face. Oloture based
workings of society. Women will on true events, followed the life
no longer be at the mercy of men The hospitality businesses in of an investigative journalist. It
who either force them to have many countries sometimes use chronicles the moments of abuse
un-protected sex, subject them the allure of beautiful women, from customers, pimps and even
to verbal and emotional abuse or usually commercial sex workers ‘madams’ who termed ownership
perversions they rather would not to attract customers. These of these prostitutes like objects.
engage in. industries are laden with heavy
taxes including liquor licenses, The economic disadvantages
On the other hand, pro-sex stay and consumption tax. that force women to trade body
groups say, a woman must be Therefore it’s quite evident that for money must be eradicated.
revered in all her capacities; sister, while many people have moral There must and should be

The economic disadvantages that force women
to trade body for money must be eradicated.

friend, mother, wife, colleague, measurements against this more voices asking for better
etc. not as a commercial tool trade, they use it to get rich, or economic earnings for women,
for money. What she decides hide behind the auspices of and more acknowledgement of
to do with her body including prostitution. their challenges. The burn-down
prostitution is her choice, and as of the patriarchy will break many
such she must have her basic Circling back to Africa, it is quite violent crimes, mental abuse
human rights protected. The Pro- interesting to note that whatever and release women from the
sex group believe that prostitution precipitates their entry into sex ‘Choice of prostitution’ as an easy
is a viable economic channel work, African women engaged way out. It will empower women
and seeks to empower these in prostitution experience deep enough to choose how they earn
workers. They stand on the fence societal stigma and discrimination and what they do; it will mean that
of health, social and legal backing that affect their ability to advocate prostitutes who feel they have no
for women who are interested in for their own human rights. other way out can have access
committing to this profession. African sex workers are most to good healthcare, investment
often the victims of physical and opportunities that can lead to
Although the hierarchy of sexual abuse and rarely receive early retirement and controlled
investors in Africa usually hold protection from the state as access which in turn births
unto these young women by victims of gender-based violence. security from the state.
promising them brighter futures
in Europe, holding unto their This reminds me of a strong In Africa, states should interrogate
passports and making them pay scene from the 2019 Nigerian their current political and legal
ridiculous sums of money, the controversial film, Oloture which stances towards prostitution and
governments of many countries looked at the lives of prostitutes question whether criminalisation

54 | The Lion King | Jan - Mar 2021