BY MACKIN HOU
PROSTITUTION is undoubtedly one of the oldest trades practiced by mankind throughout the centuries. To the clientele of this illicit trade, it is a source of relief and pleasure from the drudgery of everyday life but to the worker, it is sometimes the only option in a world where money is the only key to survival.
Prostitution is a form of exploitation where men dominate women through the use of money. It has a very negative effect, both on the prostitutes themselves and on society as a whole, as it reinforces stereotypical views about women, who are seen as nothing more than sex objects whose only purpose is to be used and abused by men.
It is an issue that our country needs to seriously monitor and seek ways to help our local girls and women who get trapped in such a helpless situation. In an exclusive interview with Solomon Women, a local speaks of her experience on the illegal trade as a sex worker.
Solomon Women Newspaper (SWN): Where do you come from?
Sex Worker (SW): Malaita Province
SWN: How old are you?
SW: 28-years-old
SWN: Are You Married?
SW: Yes, I was once married and we had a daughter. But then due to marital problems, my husband and I got separated.
SWN: How old is your daughter and where is she now?
SW: She is 2-years-old and she’s living with my husband’s relatives.
SWN: What were the marital problems you faced in your Marriage?
SW: Well, I would blame my husband for that. At first, we were both happy with our marriage but then my husband began to have an affair with another girl and that’s when things started to go wrong.
SWN: Is your Husband working?
SW: Yes.
SWN: How did you join up with this group of girls including women and why do you continue with such practices?
SW: After I left my husband, I went to live with some relatives. When I went to live with them they told me that I should talk to my husband and fix our marriage. But how can I when he had his girlfriend moving in with him already? Instead of giving me marital advice they just kept pushing and saying that I should go back to him. And so that was the moment I made up my mind and chose to become one of them.”
SWN: Why should a woman like you choose to give sexual favours for money?
SW: Because I lack the educational background that could help me get a job and this is the easiest and fastest way to get money to provide for my daily needs.
SWN: When did you begin joining this group of girls and how did you come to know of these girls?
SW: I’ve been hooked up with this group since early this year. And it was through friends that I came to know this group of girls and women some friends.
SWN: Were you are aware that they offer sex as a job and get money from it before joining?
SW: Yes, I was aware.
SWN: Does your Family know about your involvement?
SW: Definitely yes so whenever they see me they just ignore me.
SWN: Has any Groups or Organizations visited your group?
SW: No, but one of the girls told me about a church group who visited them last year.
SWN: Are you in a relationship with anyone, and how does it affect your relationship?
SW: No, no relationship.
SWN: Who are the Clients you target most?
SW: No targets but mixed clients. Some are foreigners mostly Asians and locals.
SWN: How much money do you earn in a week?
SW: For local clients, I will earn around one hundred and upwards per day. For foreigners, they normally pay up from $200 – $300 US dollars. So I almost get $1000 plus per week. It’s an easy way to earn money but in reality, it doesn’t last. Seleni yea hem kam fast and go out fast too (The money, it comes fast and goes fast).
SWN: What did you do with the money you made?
SW: I used it to buy food and clothing and other basic needs. Also at times, I used the money to help other friends who need money.
SWN: Do you sometimes feel the sense of quilt especially when your clients are married?
SW: Yes, I do feel the sense of guilt right within but I normally go out with friends drinking and getting drunk just to push such hard feelings away.
SWN: Do you take safe sex precautions?
SW: Yes, I do at all times.
SWN: Any plans of venturing into other ways to make money?
SW: No, not at the moment.
SWN: Do you have any regrets regarding what you do?
SW: Yes, I wouldn’t deny that, of course, there are moments in time when I do regret having to do this. But there’s nothing I can do about it.
SWN: Since you are a mother yourself, do you miss your daughter?
SW: Yes, I do miss her so much. A mother’s love for a child is a bond, even though I live this life. I still think of her every day and when I do, I would cry. And to push that pain away, I would drink and go out with friends trying to cover it. But it can’t be ignored and still, the pain comes back because it is always there.
SWN: What is your advice to mothers who are having marital problems in their Marriage?
SW: Please, before you walk out, at least try and fix your marriage first. “Don’t make any decisions but try solving your problems”. But if it doesn’t work out then instead of giving up and doing nothing. Start small ides such as selling food and goods where the money you get is from your sweat and hard work. Doing the things I do is not good but I have no choice.
