Exploring the Impact of Mobility on the Lives of Female Sex Workers
Mobility is a key social determinant of health for female sex workers (FSWs). While extant research has focused on the adverse effects of mobility for FSWs, there are very few studies that have examined the multiple ways in which mobility may impact the lives of these mobile women from their perspective. Co-authored by SIS Professor Maria De Jesus, this qualitative study aims to fill this gap by exploring how mobility impacts the lives, livelihoods, and HIV care and treatment from the perspectives of women living with HIV in two epidemic settings, the Dominican Republic and Tanzania.
- Uncertainty versus Autonomy
- Sex work mobility often takes place in contexts of vulnerability, leading to women experiencing violence.
- However, mobility also benefits women by allowing them to choose where they stay and make plans on their terms.
- Financial Insecurity versus Profitability
- Participants sometimes make less money than expected when they travel for sex work.
- However, there is a powerful economic benefit for mobile women as it increases their likelihood of profitability.
- Disorder and Interruptions versus Strategy and Social Support in HIV Care and Treatment
- Participants sometimes become inconsistent with their HIV appointments and medications when they travel for sex work.
- On the other hand, mobility contributes to participants often becoming more strategic and creative in their HIV care and treatment and relying on one another for support.
These findings have significant implications for the development of strengths-based and community empowerment mobile health initiatives tailored to mitigate disruptors of mobility while maximizing benefits for this population.
Read the full article here.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases | Indicator: HIV care and treatment adherence |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | Indicator: Impact of mobility on the lives of female sex workers (FSWs) |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment | Indicator: Financial benefits and profitability of sex work mobility for women |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases
- Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
- Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: HIV care and treatment adherence (related to Target 3.3)
- Indicator: Impact of mobility on the lives of female sex workers (FSWs) (related to Target 5.1)
- Indicator: Financial benefits and profitability of sex work mobility for women (related to Target 8.8)
Explanation:
The article discusses the impact of mobility on the lives of female sex workers (FSWs) living with HIV in the Dominican Republic and Tanzania. Based on the content, the following SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article focuses on the impact of mobility on HIV care and treatment from the perspective of women living with HIV.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article explores how mobility affects the lives of female sex workers, highlighting potential discrimination and vulnerabilities they face.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article discusses the financial benefits and profitability of sex work mobility for women.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
- Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases – The article examines the impact of mobility on HIV care and treatment adherence.
- Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere – The article highlights the potential discrimination and vulnerabilities faced by female sex workers due to mobility.
- Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment – The article discusses the financial benefits and profitability of sex work mobility for women.
The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are:
- HIV care and treatment adherence (related to Target 3.3) – The article mentions that participants were sometimes inconsistent with their HIV appointments and medications when they traveled for sex work.
- Impact of mobility on the lives of female sex workers (FSWs) (related to Target 5.1) – The article explores how mobility impacts the lives and livelihoods of female sex workers from their perspective.
- Financial benefits and profitability of sex work mobility for women (related to Target 8.8) – The article discusses how mobile sex work increases the likelihood of profitability for women.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: american.edu
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