Sacrificing motherhood on the altar of prostitution
What would I say about prostitution that has not been said for a gazillion times? Prostitution is a complex and sensitive topic. It’s a global issue that raises concerns about human rights, exploitation, and social justice. Prostitution is the practice of engaging in sexual activities in exchange for money or other forms of compensation. It’s estimated that millions of people worldwide are involved in prostitution, with the majority being women and girls.
Getting available data for prostitution is difficult. It is often estimates-based and may not reflect the actual figures. Data on prostitution can be challenging to obtain due to its often hidden and stigmatised nature. However, various organizations and researchers have made efforts to collect and analyse data on prostitution.
International Labour Organisation (ILO), estimates that 4.8 million people are trapped in forced prostitution globally. In Nigeria, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), estimates that there are over one million sex workers in Nigeria. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), reports that human trafficking for sexual exploitation affects over one million people worldwide. The European Commission estimates that there are between 600,000 to 800,000 sex workers in the EU. The Lancet, published a study in 2014 estimating that there are 42 million sex workers globally.
Journal of Sex Research, published a study in 2018 analyzing data from 27 countries and estimating that one in five sex workers experience physical violence. In the United States of America, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reports that there were over 8,000 cases of human trafficking in the US in 2020. Even as the World Health Organisation (WHO), estimates that sex workers are 14 times more likely to contract HIV than the general population.
Prostitution is a complex activity that can take many forms, including street prostitution, brothels, and escort services. It can also be direct or indirect, depending on whether the person identifies as a sex worker. Street prostitution is the most visible form of prostitution, Brothels involves establishments dedicated to prostitution. Escort services can take place at the client’s residence or hotel room, or at the escort’s residence, Massage parlours, bars and cafe prostitution are other forms of prostitution, Survival sex takes place when people trade sex for basic needs, such as food, shelter, or drugs. Direct sex workers do it for income, while Indirect sex workers usually do not rely on selling sex as their first source of income.
Prostitution is illegal in Nigeria, though the enforcement varies by region. In Northern Nigeria, prostitution is illegal in all northern states that use the Islamic Penal Code. The Penal Code and Sharia law prohibit prostitution and impose penalties on third parties. In Southern Nigeria, the Nigerian Criminal Code penalises pimps, underage prostitution, and the operation or ownership of brothels. The criminal code criminalises the procurement of prostitution and imposes penalties on third parties who benefit from prostitution.
Section 225A of the Criminal Code Act states that persistently soliciting or importuning for immoral purposes in any public place is liable to imprisonment for two years. A second or subsequent conviction may result in caning in addition to any term of imprisonment. It is worthy of mention that sex workers in Nigeria face marginalization, human rights abuses, and are often treated as second-class citizens.
Sacrificing motherhood on the altar of prostitution, refers to the heartbreaking reality of women who are forced to abandon or neglect their roles as mothers due to their involvement in prostitution. This phenomenon can occur due to various reasons. Women may feel compelled to engage in prostitution to support themselves and their families, leading to neglect of their children. It can also be through trafficking and exploitation. Women and girls may be coerced or forced into prostitution, separating them from their children and preventing them from fulfilling their maternal roles.
The consequences of sacrificing motherhood on the altar of prostitution can be devastating. Women may experience guilt, shame, and anxiety related to their inability to care for their children. Children on the other hand, may suffer from neglect, abandonment, or instability, leading to emotional and psychological scars. These trauma and pain experienced by women and children can perpetuate cycles of poverty, exploitation, and family dysfunction. It is essential to address the root causes of prostitution and provide support services for women and children affected by prostitution.
Should women who sacrifice motherhood on the altar of prostitution be excused? Excusing women who sacrifice motherhood due to prostitution is a multifaceted issue that requires empathy, understanding, and a subtle approach. Women who are coerced or forced into prostitution should not be blamed or judged. They are victims of exploitation and deserve support and protection. Women who turn to prostitution due to extreme poverty or economic desperation may feel they have no other options. Society should address the root causes of poverty and provide alternatives. Women who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect may be more vulnerable to exploitation and prostitution.
Providing women with education and job training can help them escape prostitution and build a better future. Offering healthcare, counseling, and social support services can help women address physical and emotional trauma. Women should be supported in addressing underlying issues, such as addiction, mental health concerns, or trauma, that may contribute to their involvement in prostitution. The society has its societal responsibility to mothers who engage in prostitution. Society should address systemic issues, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities, that contribute to women’s involvement in prostitution. Society should challenge stigma and shame surrounding prostitution and instead offer support, understanding, and resources to those involved. After all, it takes two to tangle.
The Nigerian government has indeed been criticised for not doing enough to address prostitution, particularly in terms of providing support services for sex workers and addressing the root causes of prostitution, such as poverty and lack of opportunities. Although challenges and limitations due to shortage of reliable data on prostitution in Nigeria, make it difficult to develop effective policies and interventions. Nigeria faces significant development challenges, including poverty, inequality, and limited access to education and healthcare, which can make it difficult to allocate resources to address prostitution.
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), is the only government agency responsible for preventing and combating human trafficking, including sex trafficking while Sex Workers’ Rights Advocacy Network, are working to promote the rights and well-being of sex workers. It is necessary for the Nigerian government to develop a comprehensive national policy to address prostitution, including measures to prevent sex trafficking, provide support services for sex workers, and address the root causes of prostitution, increase access to education and economic opportunities particularly for women and girls, to reduce the likelihood of engaging in prostitution and provide support services for sex workers including healthcare, counseling, and social support.
By addressing prostitution in a comprehensive and subtle manner, the Nigerian government can help reduce the harm and exploitation associated with the industry and promote the well-being and dignity of all individuals involved.
However, I will not rule out the fact that we have to be accountable for our actions and inaction. It’s essential to approach the topic of prostitution with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to human rights and social justice. Women should be supported in addressing underlying issues, such as addiction, mental health concerns, or trauma, that may contribute to their involvement in prostitution.
