Global downturn and commercial sex

Commercial sex workers in Monze southern Zambia have reduced cost of their services to avoid losing out because of the global financial crisis. With night clubs and bars in the town deserted, the demand for sex has fallen and the few who appear in these places blame the global financial problem for their inability to use the "pay for sex" services.

Besides the shortage of patrons in the night clubs and bars has ignited feuds among sex workers in their quest for clients.

And according to Girls empowerment co-ordinator in Monze Susan Chanda sex workers who previously charged between ZMK50,000 (US$10) and ZMK100,000 (US$20) have reduced charges to as low as ZMK5,000 (US$1.0). Ms Chanda, whose organisation works with sex workers, attributes the change to the slump in the economy.
"When bars and night clubs close and are deserted after many patrons have gone sex workers accept anything between ZMK5,000 and ZMK10,000 (US$2.0)," Chanda said adding that some girls have complained to her about difficulties some men face in paying for sex services.

According to Ms Chanda sex workers previously dictated the terms of their relationship but now no longer do so.