For over four years, BBC Africa Eye has been documenting the grim realities faced by sex workers in Makeni, Sierra Leone. The city, located about 200km from the capital, Freetown, is not only rich in diamonds but also plagued by severe socio-economic issues that have led many to the harsh world of sex work. Isata, a single mother in her early twenties, embodies the severe struggles faced by these women.
Isata’s life story is a heart-wrenching example of the continuous cycle of violence and exploitation experienced by many sex workers in Sierra Leone. Her narrative began with a life marked by violence and hardship. She was beaten, robbed, and twice trafficked to other countries, only to be rescued and trafficked again. Throughout these traumatic experiences, she has battled addiction to “kush,” a dangerous street drug that has become rampant in Sierra Leone. This drug, known for its psychoactive effects and disturbing ingredient—sometimes including human bones—has exacerbated the difficulties faced by individuals like Isata.
The city of Makeni, where Isata resides, is a stark representation of Sierra Leone’s ongoing struggles. Despite the end of the civil war in 2002, the country continues to face the aftereffects of decades of conflict and economic instability. The war orphaned many young girls, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. The situation has been compounded by the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have further devastated the country’s economy and increased the number of young girls entering the sex trade.
For many women in Makeni, sex work is a desperate measure for survival. Isata, like many others, initially turned to sex work as a means to provide for her daughter. The dangerous and often deadly nature of the trade is underscored by Isata’s experience of being forced into sex slavery in The Gambia, Senegal, and Mali. Her harrowing journey through these countries, marked by severe abuse and exploitation, is a testament to the extreme risks faced by sex workers in the region.
Her story took a tragic turn when, after being rescued and returning to Sierra Leone, she fell into the grip of kush addiction. The drug has become so prevalent that the president declared it a national emergency. Isata’s addiction led her back to prostitution, leaving her youngest child with her mother while she struggled with the debilitating effects of the drug.
In early 2024, Isata’s situation worsened as she was trafficked once again. This time, she was promised work as a nanny in Ghana but was instead forced into sex work in Mali. Her traffickers demanded $1,700 for her freedom, a sum she was expected to earn through sexual exploitation. This latest ordeal highlights the cruel deception and exploitation faced by many trafficked individuals, who are often misled about their true fate.
Despite these repeated traumas, Isata’s resilience shines through. She has managed to return to Makeni, where she now lives with her mother and children. Her journey is emblematic of the broader issues affecting sex workers in Sierra Leone, who face extreme vulnerability and exploitation without sufficient support or protection from the government or society.
Isata’s story is a powerful reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive support systems for sex workers and trafficking survivors. It underscores the broader systemic issues in Sierra Leone that contribute to the exploitation and suffering of many individuals. Her resilience in the face of such adversity offers hope and calls for continued efforts to address these pressing humanitarian issues.
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