Prostitution is simply the act of indulging in sex in exchange for money favors. A less harsh definition of prostitution is commercial sex. There are different forms of commercial sex and its legality from one region to another. The act is in the category of sex industry just as stripping, pornography, and naked dancing. Sex workers perform their sexual acts in brothels. Statistically, there are over 40 million sex workers in the globe. However, there is no accurate data in the regions of Central Asia, the African continent, and the Middle East. Researchers say that the prostitutes generate a yearly income of over $95 billion globally.
Different parts of the globe have different opinions or views concerning commercial sex. However, some people see the act of prostitution as violence against women’s and children’s rights. Others who act as criticizers of commercial sex are in support of the Nordic model. It legalizes selling sex but bans sex purchases. The countries of Canada, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, and France have adopted that method. Most people see prostitution as a legal profession where somebody exchanges sex for little money.
Prostitution In Mozambique
The act of prostitution in the country is legal and commercial sex workers are situated in different locations. In a city like Tete, prostitutes engage in prostitution even during the day. prostitution also takes place in Moatize, over 15 kilometers from Maputo. There are several brothels spread across Mozambique. According to the UNAIDS, there are over 13000 commercial sex workers in Mozambique.
History Of Prostitution In Mozambique
At the time Mozambique was achieving its independence, it was one of the poorest nations in the globe. The civil war in the country worsened the situation as more people fell below the poverty line. The arrival of United Nations peacekeepers caused upscale commercial sex in the country. Behrouz Sadri, deputy head of the United Nations mission, accused the peacekeepers of involving themselves in the act of commercial sex.
Coronavirus Affects Commercial sex In Mozambique
The coronavirus has affected the economy of Africa including the people. Furthermore, Many employees and small-scale business workers have lost jobs making many people live below the wage rate. In Mozambique, the prostitutes claim that the virus has destroyed their business completely as there are no customers. However, some commercial sex workers are continuing with the business despite the coronavirus disease. Reports say that the prostitutes are taking measures to protect themselves and their clients. In addition, they both wear masks, sanitize their hands, and wash their hands with soap and water before coming into contact. Recently, the new coronavirus cases in Mozambique has involvement with sex workers (2).
Government Intervention
In addition, the government of states needs to keep a watch on the prostitution business and even monitor the number of sex workers. Furthermore, the prostitutes in Mozambique demand the government intervene in the situation and create a solution to their problem. Cesar de Carvalho, mayor of Tete, gave his view concerning the situation.
“We are going to have to get started all together, the immigration services, the police, and the municipality to control foreign women. However, it is not easy, it is not something that begins today and will end tomorrow. This is a problem that will take time.”
Risk Of Prostitution In Mozambique
As the country still lives in poverty and experiencing an increase in coronavirus cases, the prostitutes are bound to suffer more. Furthermore, they are exposed mostly to the virus since they have nothing else to do for them to earn a living. Therefore, the government needs to speed the solution to the issue.
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