Curfew ‘big blow to sex workers’

The sex trade in Fiji has been dealt a blow, claims a transgender sex worker, adding that the curfew hours have hindered many in the trade. Elaine Monroe said many like her had been reliant on their “sugar daddys”.

“Because of the curfew, many sex workers have stopped coming out at night. For many, this was a way of life, and now, all this has changed,” she said.

“Some, like me, have had good relationships with our customers, some even willing to support us during these hard times.” Ms Monroe said “sugar daddys” were benefactors who supported their choice of sex workers, in exchange for exclusive services.

She said many sex workers had stayed away from the streets because of the curfew.

Ms Monroe also claimed that most sex workers affected by the curfew or COVID-19 restrictions had moved to massage parlours. She said most sex workers were from informal settlements and many supported their families.

She said sex workers, like her, were helped by non-governmental organisations such as Strumpet, Viva and a few others. She said normally the organisations would provide them with basic food items.

Ms Monroe said a new trend had also emerged. She said there were younger girls on the streets, but during the daytime.

“There were already sex workers who operated in the day. These women were usually married women who had to return home in the afternoon,” she said.

“Now, we have young girls, young as 15 years old around during the day. They are in Nabua, Nasinu and even in the city. You can even find them on Sunday.”

Strumpet’s co-ordinator Sophie Radroradro said there had been a change in working hours of the sex workers.

She said like other workers, sex workers had been affected as well.

She said it was fortunate that their organisation was part of the Fiji Council of Social Services and they had been able to provide sex workers with food packages.