Dr. Edris N. Omondi (Advocate)
Anyango not her real name, is part of my program at the Centre for Prisons Reforms and Crime Prevention International. At 16, her formal education was disrupted having been a victim of sexual abuse. Growing up as an orphan, she was totally dependent on her foster parents. As fate has it, she is now a teenage ‘child’ mother-flew from her home because of stigma associated with early pregnancy. We found her on the streets of Kondele drunk, enslaved into hawking her body for as little as 20 shillings a night-oblivious of insecurity that comes with darkness and a dark world, STDs and worse of all-HIV/AIDs.
This is the sad reality, a scenario not far from the comforts of our back yards and environs. Most victims are from the slums- and the underlying issues is associated with desperate times.
Statistics of Single Mothers Below 30 and Their Connection to Prostitution
According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), more than 60% of single mothers in Kenya are under the age of 30. These young mothers are often vulnerable to economic hardship and lack of social support. With limited education and job opportunities, many turn to prostitution as a means of survival.
In Kisumu, areas like Kondele, Obunga, Manyatta, and Nyalenda have higher rates of teenage pregnancies and young single mothers. These mothers often face stigmatization, poverty, and a lack of adequate social services. Without viable alternatives, some resort to prostitution to provide for their children. Studies have shown that education and skills training are key factors in reducing the likelihood of young women entering prostitution.
Perspective of Empowerment other than condemnation.
Prostitution is a serious social issue that continues to affect many communities around our country. In Kisumu, one of Kenya’s fastest-growing urban centers, prostitution has become a visible challenge, particularly in red-light area of Kondele, around Kisumu bus park area and the adjacent areas around Taifa Park among other areas.
Poverty, lack of education, and limited job opportunities drive many young women into the trade. However, we must look at this issue from a perspective of empowerment rather than punishment. Through a concerted effort in girl child empowerment, we can break the cycle of poverty, crime, and exploitation.
Poverty is often cited as the driving force behind many girls turning to prostitution. For many young women under the age of 30, especially single mothers, prostitution seems like a way to survive and care for their families. It’s not an easy life, but it becomes a coping mechanism in the face of limited options. The solution lies in empowering these girls, providing them with education, vocational skills, and alternative means of livelihood, while also establishing a supportive environment for their emotional and mental well-being.
Global Examples of Girl Child Empowerment -Tackling Prostitution
Across the world, numerous initiatives have proven that empowering girls through education and vocational skills is the key to lifting them out of vulnerable circumstances, including prostitution.
In Thailand the Mirror Foundation has been working for decades to rehabilitate young women and children involved in prostitution. Their approach focuses on providing shelter, education, counseling, and vocational training, all while aiming to change the social and cultural environments that perpetuate the trade. By addressing the root causes, they offer girls a chance to build a future without resorting to sex work.
In India where I spent half of my college life, the Sampurna Project, run by NGOs like Apne Aap Women Worldwide, provides a comprehensive approach to eliminating prostitution in communities. The project includes providing education, skill-building workshops, healthcare, and legal aid. The focus is on empowering women to make choices about their own futures while simultaneously working to reduce stigma.
These examples show that with the right resources and support systems, girls in vulnerable situations can be empowered to build brighter futures without resorting to prostitution.
Addressing the Issue in Kisumu: Legislation and Local Initiatives
Whereas, we have local organizations like Bethzatha HIV/AIDS Resource Centre, at Korowe that are initiating programs dealing with young people to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and address issues of sexual exploitation, the County Government can play a pivotal role in addressing the issue of prostitution by creating and enforcing legislation aimed at protecting young girls and women. The following actions can help:
1. Enforcement of Laws Against Human Trafficking and Exploitation: Kisumu can introduce bi-laws that focus on combating human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and prostitution. This could complement the penal code that prohibits living on the earning of prostitution and soliciting or importuning for immoral purposes. Stringent penalties can be put in place for those who exploit women, as well as measures to support victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, such as providing shelters and rehabilitation services for them.
2. Regulation of Red-Light Areas: Instead of turning a blind eye to the existence of red-light areas, the city of Kisumu can regulate these zones with the aim of dismantling them through systematic social and economic interventions. This could include providing alternative housing and employment for those currently working in these areas, helping them transition to a safer and more dignified life.
3. Local Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Utilization: The Constituency Development Funds (CDF), which are aimed at improving local infrastructure and social welfare, can be effectively used to support girl child empowerment programs in Kisumu. For instance, CDF can fund the following:
- Education and Vocational Training Centers: Establishing or supporting existing institutions that offer educational and vocational training programs for young girls who have dropped out of school or are at risk of exploitation.
- Scholarships for Girls: Offering scholarships for secondary and tertiary education to girls in marginalized communities. This helps girls access education, which in turn reduces their likelihood of falling into prostitution.
- Public Health Initiatives: Investing in health programs aimed at educating girls on sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and their rights.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: A well-coordinated awareness campaign that addresses the dangers of prostitution and the importance of education and self-reliance could be funded through the CDF and in partnership with other community-based players. These campaigns could target young girls, their families, and the wider community, focusing on breaking the stigma associated with those involved in prostitution and promoting alternatives.
Adult Learning Programs for Drop-Out Girls
Many girls drop out of school for various reasons—teenage pregnancy, financial constraints, or early marriages. Organizations such as Capacity Training Insititute (CTI) and Gates Africa Training Centre (GATC) which are TVET certified adult learning programs would be an essential step in providing these girls with a second chance at education and vocational training. These programs offer both part-time or full-time flexibility, accommodate young mothers or those who are financially burdened.
The Role of Religious Bodies
Religious institutions in Kisumu, as elsewhere, can play a significant role in addressing the issue of prostitution. Churches, mosques, and other faith-based organizations can support efforts by:
- Providing safe spaces for women and girls to receive counseling and rehabilitation.
- Offering vocational training and microfinance support for those who want to start small businesses.
- Working alongside local government bodies and NGOs to create a supportive environment that empowers young girls to make positive life choices.
Religious bodies can also provide moral guidance and help reduce the stigma around prostitution, creating a more inclusive and supportive community for those who wish to leave the trade.
Conclusion
Reducing prostitution in Kisumu requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes: poverty, lack of education, and gender inequality. Empowering the girl child through education, vocational training, and social support programs will go a long way in breaking the cycle of exploitation and empowering these young women to create better futures for themselves. Collaboration between the County Government, NGOs, religious organizations, and the private sector is key to creating sustainable change. By investing in the next generation of girls, we can ensure that they are not driven to prostitution, but instead are equipped to thrive in a world full of opportunities.
