21st Century slavery: 'Sex-for-fish' and the need for its urgent eradication

The fisheries sector continues to play a pivotal role in providing livelihoods for millions of people across the African continent. Fishing is predominantly controlled by men, while women tend to handle post-catch activities, mainly processing and trading. Despite the crucial role played by women, an age-old practice of ‘sex-for-fish’ forces these women into sexual exploitation.

This practice threatens the very substance and morality of the sector. Poor women are forced, against their conscience, morals and desire, to sell their bodies in exchange for fish so that they too can participate in the local economy and support their families. Poverty is the leading cause of this phenomenon. Most communities along lake shorelines are impoverished owing to their lack of education and minimal income opportunities. In a study in Malawi, for instance, women described how they were deeply embarrassed by what they had to do but had no choice as they needed fish to feed their families and hopefully to generate some income through selling any surplus fish. In some instances, women had to engage in the practice as a means of paying off debts resulting from fish issued on credit. 

Second, declining fish stocks in the inland waters in African countries have exacerbated the practice. The scarcity of fish has been occasioned by the impact of climate change, unsustainable land use, and non-adherence to fishing regulations that have resulted in overfishing. With this decline, women wishing to purchase priority or rare species, or species in high demand, have to yield to demands for sex to increase their bargaining power. 

Third, the ‘sex-for-fish’ practice has been ingrained as a cultural norm. In some communities, the practice has been so normalised and accepted that it is considered part of the socio-economic structure. Cultural attitudes towards women’s roles and the stigma surrounding discussion of sexual exploitation have perpetuated the issue. Also, some women willingly onboard young girls into the trade and teach them the ‘how’ of engaging in the business with little shame. 

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A fourth factor is the limited access to resources and the reliance on fishing as the single source of earning a livelihood. Women in these communities often have restricted access to fishing resources and capital. Men typically control the fishing boats and gear, which puts women at a disadvantage and forces them to rely on men for access to fish.

In order to curb this phenomenon and cut the spread of this culture to other generations, governments in the affected countries should take urgent, intentional, and practical measures.

First, governments must declare ‘sex-for-fish’ as a form of gender-based violence. Additionally, the relevant country laws prohibiting gender-based violence will become the accepted norm and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Related to this is the need for sensitization and education to raise awareness. 

Second, economic empowerment of women trapped by this pernicious practice  is of paramount importance. Initiatives such as the Ghanaian village savings and loans groups that help solve the pressing financial needs of women, could be emulated across the region. Financial education on how these women can improve their lot with the little income they make will also be necessary.

Third, there is need for diversification of income streams. It is high time that communities were encouraged to explore other income-generating activities such as farming and other trades. As the pressure, exploitation, and abuse of lake and sea resources worsens, coupled with the impact of climate change, fish stocks will continue to decline. Even as governments enforce regulations against overfishing and other man-made pressures, women need to have alternative sources of income. In doing so, they will not be compelled to exchange sex for fish as their only means of survival.