Table 1 A summary of the results by theme and mapped to the Ecological Systems Theory layers (shown in Fig. 1)
From: Beaten but not down! Exploring resilience among female sex workers (FSWs) in Nairobi, Kenya
Themes | Facing Adversity | Building Resilience | Hopes for the future |
|---|---|---|---|
Ecological systems theory | |||
Intrapersonal | -Mental Health problems which may have stemmed from the adverse experiences. The women reported inadequate support for mental health services. | -Adopting assorted coping mechanisms as described in the consequent ecological systems levels. | -Praying for better prospects in future kept most of the participants resilient. |
Interpersonal | -Adverse childhood Experiences; one or a combination of: physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse from an early age which was traumatic -Intimate partner violence | -Motherhood as a resource for resilience where the women reported working hard and holding on for their children to have a better life than they did. - Moving from abusive relationships as well as sourcing livelihoods for self and family most achieved this by joining sex work | Investing in their children’s future via saving groups and table banking. They hoped to get married to a good partner and have a good life |
Community | -Sex work challenges;- The women reported that earning a living through sex work was painful and difficult. They not only faced violence from clients but also rough treatment during sex -Social harm and stigma where FSWs reported being viewed as immoral and homewreckers and deserving of the injustices they face. | -Engagement with HIV Prevention and Treatment services; women reported feeling empowered to safely engage in sex work after accessing the services and health education on safe sex. -Social capital; the sex workers reported benefiting from a support system with other sex workers that developed while using the safe spaces within the SWOP Clinics., Over time friendship grew amongst the clinics’ attendees leading to strategies being devised to encourage and help each other out. | Hoping their children will have better lives. Forming sex workers’ collectives to fight for their human rights and dignity |
Structural | Criminalisation of those engaged in sex work. High unemployment rates . | Taking up alternative sources of income generation besides sex work | Exiting sex work and finding success in alternative means of livelihood. Decriminalisation of sex work |