Social Psychology

Sex Workers Are The Unsung Heroes In Nigeria

Okay so before we get into the nitty-gritty of the matter, I’d like to appeal to anyone that this will put off. The reason for this post is not to agitate, but to entertain, and subtly advocate. 

Literature on Wikipedia estimates that there are about 40 – 42 million sex workers in the world, 80% of those are female, and they perform different services from stripping or lap dancing, to pornography, phone or internet sex, and basically any other exchange of sexual related services for financial or material gain.

The rise of OnlyFans has given a new coating to the world’s perception of sex work. If Cardi, Blac Chyna, and Safaree are making bank on the platform, then the thinking around sex work is that  it is not so bad, maybe even a cool and alternative way to make money.

But wait, does this new perception of sex work apply to the ladies that work out of brothels, and stand on the streets? Are they accorded the same regard by society? Something needs to be said about that.

The first thing you should know is that Oxford Dictionary defined a job as ‘A paid position of regular employment’, which means that just like workers in the corporate world, the same factors that determine success/promotions are applicable in the business of sex work. Depending on branding, work ethics, and positioning, the client database for a typical sex worker could either be the heads of organizations or could be their drivers – either way, revenue is being generated.

The second thing you should know is, sex workers are actual ninjas when it comes to their chosen occupation. You think you are good at your job? LOL, you should see the way sex workers hustle. They will pull an all-nighter, every night, with a full face of makeup, on their feet, in heels, whilst still meeting their KPIs (of say 10 guys per night), and the bag secured.

The third thing you should know is, sex workers are emotionally intelligent and very street smart. Yes, it’s nice to know advanced algebra and be able to write a ten-page essay, but is that knowledge going to help you sharpen your negotiating skills? Is that knowledge going to help you properly maneuver in the boardroom, where human relations (no pun intended) is a key skill to be successful?.

The fourth thing you should know is, sex workers are probably ‘badder’ than James Bond, in terms of how brave they are. Every day, sex workers break the first and most important rule that was impressed upon us as children – “Don’t talk to, or follow strangers”. Do you know how scary it is to get into a car with a complete stranger not knowing where the car is headed, or what would possibly happen when you get there? Sex workers do it with a smile on their faces.

The final thing you should know is, sex workers are joyful givers, and I mean that literally. Yes, you have to pay a fee, but don’t you pay for Netflix and Apple Music? Also, guess what? They do a lot of CSR. There are so many men roaming the streets with needs and wants, without enough clout or swag to get it for free, and these brave set of women and men have chosen to take up the responsibility of meeting these needs, yet the society has chosen to ridicule them for it? SHAME!