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Transactional sex in humanitarian settings: A comparative analysis of livelihood and demographic predictors

Michael Kunnuji(1), Brian Kanaahe(2), Connor Roth(3), Funsho Bukoye(4), Doreen Atukunda(5), Simbiat Alayande(6), Emily Schaub(7), Adenike Esiet(8), Heather Marlow(9), Chimaraoke Izugbara(10),


(1) University of Lagos
(2) Uganda Red Cross Society
(3) International Center for Research on Women
(4) Action Health Incorporated
(5) Uganda Red Cross Society
(6) Action Health Incorporated
(7) International Center for Research on Women
(8) Action Health Incorporated
(9) International Center for Research on Women
(10) International Center for Research on Women
Corresponding Author

Abstract


Millions of people have been displaced within or outside their countries. Disruptions associated with displacement often lead to transactional sex with dire social, sexual and reproductive health implications. A common driver of transactional sex is food insecurity among refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), yet IDP/refugee settings offer an opportunity for females to challenge and renegotiate gender norms and exercise greater control over their lives and sexuality. We compared predictors of transactional sex across humanitarian settings and found them to be significantly different. Among IDPs, the likelihood of transactional sex reduces with having access to food ration and education, but increases with having ‘other sources’ of income. Among refugees, transactional sex likelihood reduces with having either/both parent(s) alive but increases with working for money. Hence, multiple factors drive transactional sex in different contexts. Protecting women in humanitarian situations from the risks of transactional sex requires an understanding of these differences.

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