Prostitution in Ivory Coast
Overview of the legality and practice of prostitution in Ivory Coast / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Prostitution in Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) is legal, but associated activities, such as soliciting, pandering or running brothels, are illegal.[1][2] Sex workers report law enforcement is sparse and corrupt. Police sometimes harass sex workers and demand bribes or sexual favours.[1][2] Transgender prostitutes are often targeted by police and soldiers and subjected to violence.[3] It was estimated in 2014 that there were 9,211 prostitutes in the country.[4]
The civil war has left many women in need for wages, so some have resorted to prostitution, as there is high unemployment.[5][6]
In the capital, Abidjan, most of the prostitutes come from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Mali, Senegal and other West African states,[7] the largest group being from Ghana.[8] Ivorian soldiers and UN Peacekeeping personnel are amongst the clients.[6]
In the cities, sex workers have started organisations to protect their interests. Often they cater for a particular ethnic group. Each organisation has a president and other officers, these are normally older prostitutes who are regarded as "wiser".[7]