Human trafficking and prostitution are deemed to be one of the biggest social problems in Ethiopia today. A review of the literature indicates that rarely do scholars consider the link between local sex trafficking and street-prostitution. Additionally, that research which is available has inadvertently limited the knowledge and understanding of these two interrelated social concerns. This study aimed to build knowledge filling identified gaps. The research was positioned through a Radical Feminism theoretical framework, documenting the narrative lived-experiences of ten street-prostitutes. Participants took part in three separate interview sessions aimed at discussing the three original research questions (part of the larger study). These interviews resulted in a total of thirty recorded cassettes of participant narratives. Due to the scale of the overall qualitative data, this presentation will focus on a subset of the overall research. The subset identified here is that which clarifies and discusses the relationships maintained by women in street-prostitution. Applying the term “relationships” in discussion with street prostitution is not common to begin with, not to mention to concept that a prostitute is capable of relationships. This presentation will elucidate that misconception as well as identify relationships as seen through the eyes of prostitutes. Areas of relationships include law enforcement, street vagabonds, crime addicted individuals, male customers, protectors, and with other street-prostitutes. In this way, the presentation brings light to human experiences of those involved in street prostitution and in turn underscores the humanity of prostitutes.
Mesele Mengsteab Habtu, Head of the School of Social Work, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, is an experienced qualitative researcher in sex-trafficking and street prostitution. Dr. Habtu has expertise in the nuanced and paradox scene of street prostitution and sex trafficking, dynamics of violence against women, unsafe migration, child trafficking, and sexual exploitation.
Jessica Donohue-Dioh is committed to purposeful inclusion and partnering with survivors. She has worked in anti-human trafficking efforts for 15 years, currently focusing on survivor informed prevention research. Dr. D. believes in upholding human rights for all people, especially the vulnerable and exploited, to be seen, heard, and recognized as valuable.