Understanding the Exiting and Re-Entering Experiences of Street-Based Prostitution Among Young Women in Gondar City, Ethiopia

Abstract

Although street-based prostitution is a rapidly growing social phenomenon in Ethiopian cities, there is little scholarly attention given to address the issue. This qualitative study aimed to understand the lived experiences of women who attempted to exit street prostitution in Gondar city. Thirteen study participants were chosen using the snowball sampling technique. In-depth interviews were used to gather qualitative data, which were then analyzed thematically. The study revealed formal support services, family support, spirituality, and saving money as important factors leading women to successfully exit from prostitution. However, some participants reported that structural problems, drug addiction, and societal attitudes led them to return to street prostitution. This study suggests that to help women successfully leave prostitution, interventions for exiting strategies should focus on economic strengthening activities as well as rehabilitation services including substance abuse treatment.