Transactional sex in the wake of COVID-19: sexual and reproductive health and rights of the forcibly displaced

Highlights from the paper

The authors reference two papers, with regard to lessons from Ebola as well as transactional sex in relation to food security:

"Studies from previous large-scale disease outbreaks such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa have reported an increase of transactional sex [7]. While a problematic term, "survival sex" is sometimes used to refer to transactional sex that occurs in the context of extreme hardship [6]. Food insecurity, in particular, has been found to be a common reason to engage in transactional sex [6]." ⟦zg:2129771:HRHVM4ZN|(Jacobson et al 2020:1822495)⟧

• "6. Formson C, Hilhorst D. Researching livelihoods and services affected by conflict the many faces of transactional sex: women's agency, livelihoods and risk factors in humanitarian contexts: a literature review. The Secure Livelihoods Research Consortium [Internet]. 2016 Feb [cited 2020 Jun 11]. Available from: http://www. securelivelihoods.org/publications_details.aspx? resourceid=393." ⟦zg:2129771:HRHVM4ZN|(Jacobson et al 2020:1822496)⟧
• "7. Onyango MA, Resnick K, Davis A, et al. Gender-based violence among adolescent girls and young women: a neglected consequence of the West African Ebola outbreak. In: Schwartz DA, Anoko JN, Abramowitz SA, editors. Pregnant in the time of Ebola. Cham: Springer; 2019. p. 121-132." ⟦zg:2129771:HRHVM4ZN|(Jacobson et al 2020:1822496)⟧

The authors conclude:

"While additional research is needed to better understand causes and consequences of transactional sex and the agency and vulnerability of those who engage in it, experience suggests that an increase in transactional sex in the wake of COVID-19 is imminent. As a result, economic initiatives need to consider the heightened economic and social vulnerabilities of displaced populations, while recognising their agency, and strive to expand opportunities for women, men and gender diverse people, allowing individuals to make informed choices that best serve their overall physical, mental and social health and aspirations" ⟦zg:2129771:HRHVM4ZN|(Jacobson et al 2020:1822496)⟧