The Complete English Language Companion Dictionary by Geddes and Grosset defined prostitute as “a person who has sexual intercourse for money”. In the time past prostitution was a crime especially in the Traditional African Society. Women were forbidden to sell their bodies for money.
Prostitution was indeed a taboo in the traditional society. Women could be ostracized if found to be engaged in prostitution in traditional village setting.
The society then also frowned at promiscuous behaviour or lifestyle. No religion including paganism accepts sexual promiscuity.
Of recent due to civilization prostitution has been institutionalized, hence prostitutes are no longer doing their heinous acts in the dark, but widely advertise themselves even in abroad day light. They get several patronages even people from the high class, politicians inclusive. There is no shame in prostitution it has become the part and parcel of the societal way of living or life.
Prostitution exists in so many ways. For illustration there is a corporate prostitution especially among female bankers who use their bodies to attract customers and clients to their banks.
For the purpose of space constraint let me identify ten (10) causes of prostitution.
(1) Poverty (2) Existence of large families (3) Sudden demise of the bread-winner in a family (4) Get rich quick syndrome (5) Hereditary (6) Peer group influence (7) Absence of sex education (8) Love of money (9) Absence of moral education (10) Lack of self control.
Prostitution has caused so much damage to mankind. These include: unwanted pregnancy, transmission of venereal sexual diseases including dreaded HIV/AIDs scourge, Ebola virus and several other killers sicknesses.
Governments at all levels and relevant agencies should come out with sustainable legislation that will tackle the increasing rate of prostitution in the society. ###
Damiete West
08037502931
wdamiete@yahoo.com
