Exploring experiences of refugees involved in sex work: a case of Congolese Refugees living in Kampala

Abstract

Refugees are a vulnerable population who have experienced multiple of atrocities and hostility. In addition to the inherent vulnerability they face, urban refugees present with a unique set of challenges as they fight to survive with minimal support within their structure of asylum. In this study I aimed at understanding experiences of Congolese refugee sex workers in Kampala, handle the challenges of sex work and the stakeholders' perspectives on Congolese refugees. I used a phenomenological research design which involved collecting narrative data through in-depth interviews for a detailed understanding of the phenomenon. I analysed the transcripts using thematic analysis. From my analysis, there were three main themes; i) Experiences of Congolese refugee sex workers in Kampala- Life before flight in their country of origin, Life during flight to their country of asylum, Life post flight in their country of asylum, Benefits of sex work, and Challenges faced in sex work; ii) Experiences of Congolese refugee sex workers in Kampala in handling the challenges of sex work.- Formal support systems, and Informal support systems; and iii) Stakeholders' perspectives on Congolese refugees engaged in sex work in Kampala.- Stakeholders’ knowledge of Congolese refugees’ engagement in sex work, and Stakeholders’ attitude towards Congolese refugees engaged in sex work. From my analysis of their narratives, I found that Congolese refugees engaged in sex work experience economic and social inequalities, which contribute towards development of livelihood challenges and cumulatively force them to resort to sex work as a means of survival. As a result, they face potential risks related to violence and exploitation from various perpetrators and curate a range of coping strategies to combat the effects of their past tragic experiences and prevailing risks they face. Accessibility to services remains a challenge concerning urban refugees’ transition in the country of asylum. I argue for the importance of engagement of urban refugee sex workers in the development of appropriate interventions by State services and Non-Governmental Organisations.