ONGWEDIVA – Unemployed youths from Oshakati have resorted to trading sex as a means of survival, with the police warning them to find alternative ways to generate income.

A group of young women usually stand at the traffic lights, offering sex in exchange for money in Oshakati’s Okandjengedi location. A sex worker who spoke to New Era said they have no alternative ways of generating income; therefore, being sex workers is the only way to generate money for survival. In 2020, Oshana governor Elia Irimari estimated his region’s unemployment rate at 32%. They said they charge N$100 for two rounds and N$300 for a sleep over. However, depending on the number of men they sleep with on that specific day, they can earn more than that.

They said every night, around 23h00, there is always a queue of men in vehicles who come to buy sex from them.

They stressed that they have clients from all walks of life, including the police, soldiers and taxi drivers. Speaking to this publication, a 28-year-old mother of two said sex work is the only way to make money.

She said sex work is as normal as any other businesses; they are not ashamed and will not stop doing it. On a good night, she said she can make over N$1 000, which she uses to support her two children and pay rent.

Therefore, she decided to join other women in the sex trade. She also said she started abusing alcohol because of the stress she is enduring. Highlighting some of the challenges they endure, the mother of two said, “Some men run away or pay us N$30, while some threaten to kill us if we keep demanding,” she said. She added that on most occasions, most clients prefer unprotected sex, and they are promised more money if they have sex without condoms.

Another sex worker, a 30-year-old woman, said she is risking her life by having sex with many different men in exchange for money.

“I pay rent and support my daughter with the money I make through this business,” she added. She stated that she always chooses the best men who drive nice cars because they are reliable, trustworthy and pay well.

“We are just making a living. It’s better than nothing. It’s not easy to get a job nowadays,” she added. Speaking to New Era, Oshana Police chief Naftal Lungameni Sakaria said it is a bit tricky to deal with those who practice sex work in Oshakati. He said there are no specific operations targeting sex workers. 

“They should consider doing other businesses – not the sex business,” he said.

Sakaria also said it is risky to have sex with different men, and it does not show a good example to other women, especially the younger girls.

“The police will look forward to engaging them and finding a way on how to assist
them,” he added - fhamalwa@nepc.com.na