– A Survey in Ganta Shows
By Shallon S. Gonlor / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
Ganta, Nimba County – As night descends upon Ganta City, Nimba County, the streets awaken with a stark reality. Young women and girls, some as young as 16, are often seen lingering around hotels and nightclubs, providing sexual services in exchange for money or necessities. This scene echoed across Liberia and highlights the devastating effects of the country’s economic crisis on its most vulnerable citizens.
For many of these women, sex work isn’t a choice but a desperate means of survival. With limited opportunities for education or employment, they are compelled to engage in a dangerous trade to meet their most basic needs—food, shelter, and healthcare. The situation underscores the intersection of poverty, gender inequality, and systemic neglect in Liberia, where economic hardship continues to push young people into exploitative and high-risk situations.
A Struggle for Survival
Mary Brown (name changed for privacy), a 23-year-old sex worker in Ganta, represents the face of this crisis. Orphaned at 16, Mary never had the chance to attend school. With no family support and few options for legitimate work, she turned to sex work as her only means of survival. “I don’t feel happy doing this,” she confessed, “but I have no choice. I need to eat, pay rent, and take care of myself.”
Mary’s story is not unique. Many young women in Ganta and other regions of Liberia have migrated from rural areas, seeking better opportunities in the city. Instead, they find themselves caught in a cycle of poverty and exploitation. A survey conducted in Ganta estimates that there are over 60 female sex workers in the city, although the actual number is likely much higher, as many operate informally and without recognition from local authorities.
Economic Desperation Fuels Exploitation
The economic conditions in Liberia, one of the poorest countries in Africa, have created a fertile ground for such exploitation. Rising unemployment, stagnant wages, and limited access to basic services have left many families struggling to survive. For young women like Mary, sex work becomes a last resort.
Marie Johnson (name changed), a 30-year-old sex worker and leader of a small group of five young women, described the challenges they face. “We are often underpaid or not paid at all,” she said. “Some clients refuse to meet our rates, and others become violent if we try to negotiate.” Marie and her peers have recently agreed to raise their rates from $15 to $30 per night, but many clients refuse to pay the increased amount, leaving the women struggling to cover their basic expenses.
Health Risks and Social Stigma
Sex workers in Liberia face significant health risks, including high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and unintended pregnancies. The illegal nature of their work leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, with little recourse to legal protection or healthcare services. Many are also subjected to violence from clients or law enforcement, further compounding their vulnerability.
Peer pressure and social influence also play a role in driving young women into sex work. Some come from families that can provide for their needs but are lured by the promise of quick money and the influence of friends. Once involved, however, they find it difficult to escape the cycle of exploitation and stigma.
A Call for Action
The plight of these women has sparked calls for urgent intervention from the Liberian government and international partners. Many sex workers are appealing for support to help them transition out of the trade and rebuild their lives. They are calling for the construction of shelters, vocational training centers, and access to education and healthcare.
“We want to be useful citizens,” said Marie. “But we need help to get there. The government should build learning centers and provide us with the skills to contribute to society.”
A Broader Crisis
Liberia’s economic woes are not new. Despite its abundant natural resources, the country remains plagued by poverty, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure. The lack of economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth, has created a breeding ground for exploitation and violence.
According to USAID, there are an estimated 42 million sex workers worldwide. In Liberia, the Ministry of Gender reported 1,822 registered sex workers in 2021, though the actual number is believed to be three times higher. The illegal status of sex work in the country further complicates efforts to address the issue, as many women are reluctant to seek help for fear of arrest or stigma.
