During times of social and economic uncertainty, vulnerable women and girls in many low-income communities often face greater risk. Some women, like Evelyn*, have felt forced to engage in transactional sex as a means of survival.
According to a 2018 UNAIDS report, women who engage in transactional sex are significantly more likely to contract HIV. Social stigma, the risk of unintended pregnancy, and exclusion from community life can further marginalize women already living in difficult circumstances.
Evelyn earned income selling goods at a local market on behalf of an employer, but her wages were not enough to support herself, her five-year-old daughter, and her grandmother. To make ends meet, she engaged in transactional relationships with market customers.
Transactional sex differs from prostitution in that it often involves the exchange of sex for food, clothing, financial support, or other necessities rather than direct payment. In some communities, these arrangements can leave women vulnerable to HIV infection, unintended pregnancies, and social exclusion, limiting future opportunities.
Researchers behind Understanding Early Marriage and Transactional Sex in the Context of Armed Conflict note:
“Providing economic opportunities that reduce poverty and insecurity are likely to be more effective in reducing the number of young women who engage in transactional sex.”
Girls Clubs Create Hope for Vulnerable Women and Girls
Through local partners, World Renew helps women and girls access meaningful alternatives to transactional sex.
Many young women participate in Girls Clubs, where they gather in a safe and supportive environment to discuss challenges affecting their lives and learn about their God-given value and dignity.
Participants receive accurate health information, peer support, and mentoring that strengthen their emotional, mental, and social well-being. These opportunities help young women make informed decisions and reduce vulnerabilities that can place them at risk.
Girls Club participants also gain practical skills that help them build sustainable futures. Depending on the community, women may learn trades, develop handcrafted products, receive business training, or access small loans to start income-generating activities.
These opportunities enable girls and women to return to school, pursue vocational training, and build careers in fields such as tailoring, nursing, engineering, food production, hairdressing, and entrepreneurship. Participants are also encouraged to access HIV testing and, where needed, receive emotional support and guidance to maintain treatment.
From Vulnerability to Opportunity
Through one of these Girls Clubs, Evelyn learned sewing skills and secured work as a seamstress. Her next goal is to purchase her own sewing machine and continue growing her income.
“My life has completely changed! I use the money to pay for the school fees for my child. I can fully support my family.”
Evelyn’s story is a reminder that when women and girls have access to skills, support, and opportunity, they can build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Through local partnerships, World Renew continues to help create pathways toward lasting hope, dignity, and economic independence.
*For Evelyn’s protection, World Renew is not using her real name in this story.
