LIVING AND WORKING IN AREAS OF STREET SEX WORK: FROM CONFLICT TO COEXISTENCE THE CASE OF NIKAT CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION

Abstract

The study assess the range of community responses to street sex work, identifying why and how groups in some areas have sought to ‘reclaim’ the streets by excluding sex workers, while others exhibit greater tolerance in Addis Ababa city selected five case study areas. The five case study areas Chechnya, Merkato / Sebategna, Gojjam Berenda, Piassa/Doromanekia and Awtobus Terra were under varying pressure from changes such as regeneration and high population turnover. Residents had common concerns over crime, anti-social behavior, environmental quality, poor housing and lack of facilities. In each of the case study areas, discussions were undertaken initially with staff in sex work projects and statutory agencies to identify mechanisms for accessing and interviewing sex workers and community representatives. Sex workers were accessed initially through outreach, although the potential for interviewing using this mechanism was easier in some areas than others. One of the difficulties I encountered with accessing street sex workers was that there were fewer women on the street and many were very cautious and did not stay long to talk. I was also able to make contact with service users through project staff and was not totally reliant on outreach as a mechanism for access. An information sheet was given to all potential participants, outlining the purpose of the research, dissemination and issues of confidentiality. Methodologically, this study uses qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews or discussions took place with a total of 31 agency representatives; 69 local residents; community or business representatives; 36 women sex workers; and 12 staff or volunteers in sex work projects. Focus groups comprised between five and 12 individuals. The findings inform Community mediation is an important component of any strategy and National policy also needs to accommodate exploration within each locality of a range of options for managing the issue, including the options outlined here, to enable local negotiation and consideration of shared interests to influence the way forward.