Fish-for-Sex (FFS) and Risk of HIV Infection among Fishers in Elmina Fishing Community in Ghana

Abstract

This paper is a cross-sectional study that employed mix-methods for data collection and analysis to investigate a relationship between mobility and HIV risks among 385 fishers in Elmina. It discusses the roles of people in fish-for-sex (FFS), the reasons for such transactional sexual activity, and its implications for HIV-risk infection. The study uses the theory of gender and power (TGP) to explain gender dynamics in power inequalities, and their effects on interpersonal sexual relations between males and females within the fishing community. The paper concludes that the gendered division of labor exists in the study area and thrives on socio-cultural norms and power inequalities. These inequalities mainly favor men, who are thus emboldened to exploit women through the supply of fish. The paper further observes that as long as the female petty fish traders require capital for their fish trade and the male fishers have greater control over the supply of the fish, the women will have limited negotiating power. In addition, the paper establishes a linkage between fish-for-sex relations and the risk of HIV exposure among fishers in Elmina. The paper recommends the empowerment of female petty fish traders by granting them trading capital to limit their overdependence on male fishers for capital, thereby eliminating the need for exchanging sex for fish. The paper also calls for the intensification of education by relevant agencies involved in HIV education on safe sex practices through the use of condoms in fishing communities.