Poverty drives Kenyan girls into sex work
Along the Kenyan coast, the sexual exploitation of children and sex tourism is widely accepted. Many girls see it as an easy way to earn money and, for those from poor households, as a ticket out of poverty. The World Congress III Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children, 25-28 November 2008 in Brazil, aims to promote international cooperation for more effective action on sexual exploitation.
Shotlist:
Script
The beaches of Kenya draw visitors from around the world, but this idyllic region is one of the poorest in the country … and for those with limited economic opportunities, the lure of prostitution is strong.
A recent UNICEF study found that at least 30 per cent of girls are engaged in casual sex work, and they start as young as twelve.
SOUNDBITE, 'Susan' Sex worker:
"We would sell fried fish along the roadside. Life was very hard. And if any was left over we would use it for a meal. We also needed cornmeal and we didn't ever have that, and we were many in the family and so I decided to try something. But it's not because I like what I'm doing."
Leading tourist businesses have signed a Code of Conduct which discourages visitors from sexually exploiting children.
SOUNDBITE, Isaac Rodbrot, Hotel Keepers' Association:
"One of the things we explain is that child prostitution is forbidden in this area. We also tell them that as a company we are signatories to the Code of Conduct and we completely prohibit it in our hotel and discourage it from the people we relate with."
UNICEF and its partners are trying to reduce the high level of acceptance of child prostitution that is another significant factor driving girls into sex work.
The government of Kenya has introduced legislation to outlaw sexual exploitation. And a cash transfer program reaches about 65 thousand families.
SOUNDBITE, Ahmed Hussein
Director of Child Services
Government of Kenya:
"It gives them a predictable income, and improves their human capital and builds their confidence, and we have seen changes in a number of families that are receiving the cash transfer."
Tourism is one of Kenya's leading sources of income … and as the industry grows UNICEF and its partners are working to ensure that it does not take a toll on the poorest and most vulnerable.
Shotlist
Mombasa, Kenya, 15 November 2008
1. GVs Mombasa beach
2. GVs people on street
3. GVs Mombasa nightclub
4. SOT 'Susan' Sex worker, (Swahili/English translation)
"We would sell fried fish along the roadside. Life was very hard. And if any was left over we would use it for a meal. We also needed cornmeal and we didn't ever have that, and we were many in the family and so I decided to try something. But it's not because I like what I'm doing."
5. WS beach resort
6. CU sex tourism Code of Conduct
7. SOT Isaac Rodbrot, Hotel Keepers' Association (English)
"One of the things we explain is that child prostitution is forbidden in this area. We also tell them that as a company we are signatories to the Code of Conduct and we completely prohibit it in our hotel and discourage it from the people we relate with."
7. WS nightclub
8. WS street scene
Nairobi, Kenya 21 November 2008
9. SOT Ahmed Hussein, Director of Child Services, Government of Kenya (English)
"It gives them a predictable income, and improves their human capital and builds their confidence, and we have seen changes in a number of families that are receiving the cash transfer."
Mombasa, Kenya, 15 November 2008
9. GVs Mombasa beach
|
