Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Wilson
Published on 2024-02-23 07:42:58
The nightlife in Monrovia is bustling with activity, but for some young women who work as sex workers in the city, their livelihood is being threatened by a group of men they refer to as “fergae boys.” These young women, often self-identifying as ‘mid-night queens,’ are expressing their frustration and anger at the behavior of these men, whom they accuse of sabotaging their business and potentially putting their safety at risk.
The women assert that the men who visit the areas where they work, such as Senny Bar, Paynesville, No Stress, Rehab, Viewpoint, and Japanese Freeway, are predominantly gay and show no interest in engaging in business with them. One of the women, identified as RB, voiced her resentment at the men’s actions, stating, “We will one day beat some of them on the block. They are taking away some of our customers. The men they take can be good customers for us.”
Others, like Janet, expressed their indignation at the perceived rejection by the men. Janet firmly believes that men should only love women and that the presence of these ‘fergae boys’ is disrupting the normal flow of their business. Their frustration is further compounded by instances where their boyfriends are approached by gay men, leading to confrontations and adding to the tension in the area.
The sentiment is echoed by other women in the area who feel that the presence of these men is not only impacting their business but also their safety. The women have expressed their resolute stance against involving the police, as they are aware that their activities are illegal and prefer to handle the situation themselves. One of the women, Pinky, declared, “The time the police will come over to look for us, they will not see us. This is the owner of the job. Da our working place.”
However, the police officer present at Viewpoint warned the women that any violent behavior would not be tolerated and that they should refrain from taking matters into their own hands. He emphasized that their activities were illegal and that the police would intervene if necessary.
The clash between these sex workers and the men they refer to as ‘fergae boys’ sheds light on the complex and fraught dynamics prevalent in the nightlife of Monrovia. It underscores the challenges faced by women in the sex trade who often have to navigate not only the legal and societal stigma but also confrontations with potential clients and other individuals in their work environment. The tension and potential for violence underscore the need for support and protection for these women as they strive to earn a living in a sometimes hostile and competitive environment.
In conclusion, the grievances expressed by these women highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by sex workers. It is essential to create safe working environments and provide support services to ensure the well-being and safety of those engaged in this profession, while also addressing the broader societal issues that contribute to their vulnerability.
Read the original article on New Republic Liberia
