Caught in the trap: The dangerous cycle of exploitation behind the sex for fish culture

Fishmongers Miriam Kitsao and Christine Charo at the Kilifi Old Ferry beach. [Maureen Ongala, Standard]

Several social-economic factors, including poverty, cultural practices, and competition among women who are involved in the fish trade, are often listed as variables fueling the 'sex for fish' practice.

According to 2022 data provided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the global fisheries sector supports 600 million livelihoods and provides 20 per cent of the daily protein intake for 3.3 billion people. Women play a crucial role, making up 15 per cent of the harvesting workforce and 85 per cent of fish processing and marketing. In Kenya, fisheries contribute 0.7 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).