A sex worker in Kampala has shared her shocking story of survival and struggle, revealing the harsh realities of the trade. Ashley, who has been in the business for nearly a decade, says she was forced into prostitution due to financial hardship and a lack of job opportunities.
Despite facing numerous challenges and dangers, including a terrifying encounter with a client who attempted to strangle her, Ashley feels trapped in the trade. “I personally want to quit, but life is not easy,” she said. “I have dependents to take care of, and I cannot accept the thought of starving.”
Ashley’s ordeal began when she failed to secure a formal job, leaving her with no choice but to turn to sex work to make ends meet. However, the experience has been marked by violence, exploitation, and fear.
One particularly harrowing incident occurred when a client, who had initially seemed normal, turned violent in the room. “He started strangling me, grabbing my neck so hard,” Ashley recounted. “But with God’s mercy, I managed to overpower him and ran away.”
Despite this traumatic experience, Ashley has not been able to quit the trade. She says that while she has not acquired much wealth from sex work, it has allowed her to survive and provide for her dependents.
Ashley’s story highlights the complex and often desperate circumstances that drive women into sex work. It also underscores the need for support services and alternative livelihoods to help those who want to exit the trade.
As Uganda continues to grapple with the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and gender inequality, stories like Ashley’s serve as a reminder of the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of sex work.
