Prime
A look back: Why the oldest trade in history continues to thrive in Tanzania
What you need to know:
- Despite concerted efforts to combat it, sex trade continues to thrive, driven by a complex interplay of biological, financial, social, and access-related factors.
- Tanzania is evidently not exempt and the reasons for the persistence of sex work in the country are as diverse and endless as one can imagine.
Dar es Salaam. Amidst many vibrant cultures and burgeoning economies, one illegal-industry seems to persistently evade eradication: prostitution.
Despite concerted efforts to combat it, the trade continues to thrive, driven by a complex interplay of biological, financial, social, and access-related factors.
Tanzania is evidently not exempt and the reasons for the persistence of sex work in the country are as diverse and endless as one can imagine.
The biological challenges of sex work
For individuals entrenched in the cycle of prostitution, breaking free from the trade is often fraught with formidable physical challenges, many of which are a result of their body's adaptation to the lifestyle.
Dr Sarah Kimaro from Temeke referral Hospital reveals: "When someone engages in prostitution regularly, their body undergoes various adaptations to accommodate the demands of sex work. These adaptations can range from changes in hormone levels and neurotransmitter activity to alterations in pain perception and stress response mechanisms."
One of the primary physiological changes observed in individuals accustomed to prostitution is the dysregulation of the brain's reward system.
"Repeated exposure to the immediate gratification of earning money through sex work can lead to alterations in the brain's reward pathways. This can result in a heightened craving for the dopamine release, making it incredibly challenging for individuals to resist the urge to return to prostitution," she explains.
Moreover, the physical toll of sex work extends beyond the realm of neurobiology. She says that: "Many individuals in the prostitution trade endure high levels of stress, trauma, and violence, which can manifest in physical symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances."
She adds that these physiological manifestations further perpetuate the cycle of dependence on sex work as a coping mechanism.
Furthermore, she highlights the role of substance abuse as a common coping mechanism among individuals in sex work.
"Substance abuse often co-occurs with sex work, as individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the emotional and physical pain associated with their experiences," she states.
She continues: "The physiological dependence on these substances further complicates the process of exiting the prostitution trade, as individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms and cravings that reinforce the cycle of addiction."
On her part, Princess Sebastian*, 28, says she can attest to the profound biological challenges that individuals face when attempting to break free from prostitution.
“The lifestyle of prostitution exacts a heavy toll on the body, leading to various physiological adaptations that make it incredibly difficult to transition out of the trade,” she reveals.
On top of that, another sex worker, Eva Damas* comments: “The adaptations that our bodies undergo to cope with the demands of sex work are undeniable. Like many others in the trade, I have coped with chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances as a result of the work I do.”
The financial barriers to exiting the trade
For many prostitutes, the decision to remain in the trade is deeply rooted in the harsh realities of financial instability and economic hardship.
Diana John* 32, says: “I wish I could leave this life behind," her weary eyes reflecting years of hardship and struggle. "But how can I, when I barely make enough to put food on the table?"
She claims: "When you're barely scraping by, every single coin counts. I can't afford to walk away from the money I make through sex work, no matter how degrading it may be."
As the sole breadwinner for her family, Sara Edwin* 41, feels the weight of financial obligation pressing down on her, compelling her to endure the hardships of sex work for the sake of her loved ones.
"I never imagined I'd end up here," she confesses, tears glistening in her eyes. "But what choice do I have when my family depends on me? I do this for my young sisters, I didn’t get an opportunity to go school but they are studying through this business," she says.
Social stigma and cultural norms: The veil of judgment and shame
Embedded within Tanzania's societal fabric are deep-seated stigmas and cultural norms that cast a shadow of shame upon those involved in prostitution.
Ms Linah Kabula another sociologist from Mwanza reveals: "The pervasive stigma surrounding sex work perpetuates social exclusion and marginalisation, hindering individuals from seeking alternative means of livelihood."
Furthermore, traditional gender roles and conservative attitudes towards sexuality reinforce societal taboos surrounding prostitution, fostering a climate of secrecy and silence that shields the trade from public scrutiny.
"Until we address the underlying social attitudes and cultural norms that perpetuate stigma, the prostitution industry will continue to thrive in the shadows," she notes.
On his part, Mr Alfani Mduge, a sociologist from Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) emphasises the significance of social networks and norms in shaping individuals' decisions to remain in the prostitution trade.
"Prostitution often thrives within communities where the trade has been normalised and their values may often differ from those of mainstream society," he explains.
He adds: "In such environments, individuals may face social pressure to conform to those particular expectations and practices of the former-traders in their communities, making it difficult to diverge from the path of sex work or consider it an unusual practice."
Jamila Hussien* who once attempted to quit the trade but ultimately failed reveals: “The shame and judgment cast upon individuals involved in prostitution are palpable, making it incredibly challenging to seek out alternative means of livelihood. Despite my best efforts to leave the trade behind, I found myself grappling with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, exacerbated by societal attitudes towards sex work.”
Trauma and psychological coping mechanisms
Dr Aisha Kassim, a psychologist specialising in trauma-informed care at the University of Dodoma (Udom), underscores the profound impact of trauma and psychological coping mechanisms on individuals' continued engagement in prostitution.
"Many individuals in the sex trade have experienced a history of trauma, abuse, and exploitation," she explains. "In response to such adversity, they may develop maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as dissociation or emotional numbing, which perpetuate their involvement in prostitution as a means of self-preservation."
Furthermore, she emphasises the role of psychological factors, such as low self-esteem and internalised stigma, in shaping individuals' perceptions of themselves and their options for the future.
"For many individuals, the belief that they are unworthy of a better life becomes deeply ingrained, making it difficult to envision a future beyond the confines of the prostitution trade," she observes.
The complexities of online solicitation
In an era characterised by technological advancement and digital connectivity, the prostitution trade has evolved to exploit new avenues of access.
Mr Ismail Shaban, a digital rights advocate, highlights the role of online platforms in facilitating the solicitation of prostitution services. "The proliferation of internet-enabled devices and social media platforms has revolutionised sex work, enabling individuals to discreetly solicit and arrange transactions online," he explains.
However, he emphasises the challenges inherent in regulating online prostitution, citing issues of jurisdictional ambiguity and the anonymity afforded by digital platforms.
"While the internet has undoubtedly expanded the reach of the prostitution trade, efforts to combat online solicitation must navigate complex legal and ethical considerations," he asserts.
Mariam* a sex worker, shares: “I've found online platforms to be essential for reaching clients discreetly. These digital tools have expanded our reach and allowed us to conduct business without the risks associated with street solicitation. While online solicitation presents challenges for law enforcement, such as jurisdictional issues and anonymity, it remains a vital aspect of our work.”
On her part, Sabrina* comments: “I've utilised online platforms to connect with clients privately. These digital tools have revolutionised the sex trade, offering us a way to reach a wider audience without the dangers of street solicitation. While online solicitation may pose challenges for regulation due to jurisdictional ambiguity and anonymity, it remains a crucial aspect of our livelihood.”
Sex work is undoubtedly one of the oldest trades of human societies and like any business, it has evolved with the times to keep up with newer classes of clientele.
However, the risks that this trade poses on individuals, both the sex workers and their clients, cannot be overemphasised, much less addressed and dealt with.
The question then remains: “To what end do we live with this trade in our communities?”
