The commercial sex industry in Douala, Cameroon

The literature on the commercial sex industry shows that extensive studies of the phenomenon have been undertaken in the United States of America, Europe and Asia. By comparison, relatively little research has investigated commercial sex in the African context, despite evidence that it is widespread in many nations throughout the continent, including the West Central African nation of Cameroon. Using the qualitative method of inquiry, interviews were conducted with 50 sex workers in Douala, the nation’s economic capital, covering different venues and types of sex work undertaken. The findings illuminate our understanding of: the pathways into prostitution in Douala, the nature and organization of sex work in Douala, and the risks and challenges faced by sex workers in Douala. The extent of prostitution in Cameroon was not undertaken and remains an opportunity for future research. This research serves as a useful resource for public policy considerations in Cameroon and contributes to the growing body of research on the commercial sex industry in Africa generally and Cameroon specifically. It also provides a strong basis for comparative research with other studies that have been and are currently being undertaken elsewhere.