Prostitution : Pleasure as a profession

Considered to be the oldest profession that can exist, prostitution is far from reaching its peak. It is also trying to modernize and is experiencing extraordinary growth in the different cities of the country..

Also called sex work, prostitution nothing other than the practice of a sexual act against any remuneration. This income-generating activity for many of these practitioners is attracting more and more young girls., especially during holidays. These last, like a human tide are invading the sector and making the profession a real business with, of course, the help of social networks which are today, an easier way in the practice exercise. Indeed, prostitution is no longer just a sidewalk game. She also benefits from the benefits of the digital evolution, especially with these ladies who offer sexual services online.. So no need for some to show up for hours on the edge of the streets, publications are enough to reach interested people. “They now have a considerable working tool. Social networks seem to be a safe way for prostitutes to adapt to technological developments” suggests Bernice V. social promoter who adds that it is certainly a way for them to save time. “Social networks are a virtual world. It is now easier for some to express their needs on these channels and therefore these women take advantage of this to do what can be called e-prostitution., i.e. online prostitution”.

Sidewalks, popular places

Although having grown on social networks, prostitution remains present on the various sites recognized for such in the various cities of the country. The new means of exercise therefore do not eject the old one from the throne.. From Godomey to the Jonquet district via the Friendship stadium and others, the presence of sex workers is noticed every evening shortly after the first night lights.

All dressed extravagantly showing almost intimate parts of their bodies, they only have one goal : bring to them the most sensitive and eager. The principle remains routine, “we have to discuss with them and make proposals and if an agreement is reached, to go away for his share of pleasure”, explains the one who will be called George. Thirties, this worker met on one of the sites where prostitutes are frequented in Cotonou speaks without taboo about the service of these women “I often seek the services of these girls of joy, for a few moments of pleasure. These are moments that are out of the ordinary compared to what our wives serve us. These ladies are very professional.”, does he try to explain. What this lady is trying to confirm, member of an association of sex workers in Benin who remained anonymous. “The objective for these women is not to take anyone’s husband but, rather to give pleasure to people who want. TS (sex workers), also have principles. For some it is a sexual troubleshooting service but for others it is more than troubleshooting. There are even subscribers who only want to be with the TS. This means that they have a certain consideration ". The latter adds that "Many people denounce the practice openly but behind, they are the first to contact the girls. If not, how can we understand that the profession is attracting more and more young girls?, she wonders.

Why some like it

If today the practice of this activity, however old it may be, is not legal, it is not also forbidden according to some practitioners. But the reasons that can lead to such an activity vary according to everyone's daily experience, as social promoter Bernice V points out.. “Several reasons can justify the practice and the attraction around the activity. Already for a girl who knows enough difficulties and is offered such an activity will not have to turn her back on this way of making money, especially if she does not have a high enough morale.. We also have the social impact. For a girl who lives in an environment where the activity is practiced or even is in contact with those who engage in it, there is a good chance that she will also start », she says while specifying "We must not forget either, the enthusiasts. For some prostitution is above all a passion that is born and develops. For these last, the remuneration is not often their wish but there is this desire to sexually discover as many men as possible ". Nadège confides that she embarked on the exercise of the profession following the many problems she faced on a daily basis "I came to Cotonou for the studies. But very early, I faced financial problems. After a time of service in a bar, I understood that I could make a living just with my body. Five years later I was able to do what I could not have done if I had not opted for this activity », says the young lady before adding "It is not however allowed to believe that it is the easiest way out. There is a lot of risk in the job and it is a choice that you have to be ready to assume”.

Risky Business…

Prostitutes are exposed to many risks, including the contamination of certain sexually transmitted diseases and infections.. “The risk of illness is huge as the girls often don’t know what the client’s health is. There are among these customers who offer large sums not to use condoms and from there they can accept contamination if the customer is a carrier of a sexually transmitted disease. Other risks, some get drugged and abused or beaten after service”, said a TS with desolation before pointing out that “Today, there are TS organizations that support some girls through screening campaigns, awareness and defense in the event of a physical attack”.

Firmin KASSAGA