Sex Work and Human Rights in Africa

36 Pages Posted: 17 Nov 2010

See all articles by Chi Mgbako

Chi Mgbako

Fordham University School of Law

Laura A. Smith

International Center for Transitional Justice

Abstract

This Article serves as the first law review essay to engage the feminist debates regarding sex work and human rights in the African context. The Article surveys “antiprostitution” and “pro-sex-worker” feminist arguments and activities in sub-Saharan Africa; explores the debate surrounding the legal frameworks of legalization, decriminalization, prohibition, and abolition of prostitution in a number of African countries including Senegal, where prostitution is legal and regulated, and South Africa where prostitution remains illegal despite civil society advocacy for decriminalization; and calls for the empowerment of African sex workers by arguing for a human rights-based transformation in African governments' legal and policy posture towards sex work.

Suggested Citation

Mgbako, Chi and Smith, Laura A., Sex Work and Human Rights in Africa. Fordham International Law Journal, Vol. 33, p. 1178, 2010, Fordham Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 1710654, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1710654

Chi Mgbako (Contact Author)

Fordham University School of Law ( email )

140 West 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023
United States

Laura A. Smith

International Center for Transitional Justice ( email )

5 Hanover Square 24th Floor
New York, NY 10004
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
432
Abstract Views
3,607
Rank
123,700
PlumX Metrics