Polygonal Prostitution in Urban Ethiopia

The issue of prostitution is important in developing countries nowadays because it is one of the key social issue that has multiple faces that impacts the general sexual reproductive health the population. This study was carried out between September 2005 and august 2010 in five major cities of Ethiopia i.e. Addis Ababa, Awassa, Bahrdar, Diredawa, and Nazereth. The author directly interviewed samples of women and men in each city and town who at that point in time were working in one of the mentioned types of prostitution. An extensive open-ended questionnaire was used and individual and focus group discussions were carried out which on average lasted 45 minutes. This is a prelude to upcoming social researches on human trafficking, gender studies, reproductive health, and related socio-epidemiological studies that will be carried out in the horn of Africa region. The case of Ethiopia is interesting because of its conservative culture and tight politics, which eclipse the public from these potentially detrimental social issues. Enjoy your reading.