More men join sex work
Sex work in Botswana is not solely a women’s issue but affects both men and women, hence the need for greater recognition and inclusion of male sex workers, Sisonke Botswana Organisation has said.
Founder of Sisonke Botswana, Tosh Legoreng shed light on the reality of men engaging in sex work, describing it as a reflection of broader socio-economic and structural challenges in Botswana.
In an interview with The Midweek Sun, Legoreng explained that the primary drivers pushing men into sex work include poverty, unemployment, and limited livelihood opportunities.
She said with the rising cost of living and widening inequality, many men are left with few alternatives, turning to sex work as a survival strategy rather than a choice.
Legoreng highlighted that while female sex workers are more visible and often dominate public discourse, male sex workers remain largely hidden due to stigma, cultural expectations and fear of discrimination.
This has resulted in limited access to support systems, healthcare services and platforms to share their experiences.
“There has been a noticeable number of men entering sex work. The industry is evolving, with more men now operating through online platforms. Many are between the ages of 18 and 35, although older men facing long-term unemployment are also increasingly joining,” Legoreng said.
She said that some of these men provide services to women, challenging common assumptions about the industry.
However, men are less likely to openly identify as sex workers, making it more difficult for organisations and government programmes to reach them.
Legoreng indicated that economic pressures remain central, particularly for men who feel obligated to provide for their families.
She said migration to urban centres in search of work has also contributed, as many encounter job scarcity and high costs of living without adequate support systems.
Legoreng also cautioned against conflating sexual orientation with sex work. “A gay man and a male sex worker are not the same,” she emphasised, noting that men in sex work may identify as straight, bisexual, or gay.
The organisation further raised concerns over shared risks within the industry, including exposure to violence, lack of legal protection, limited access to healthcare and ongoing mental health challenges driven by stigma and isolation.
Through its programmes, Sisonke Botswana provides peer-led outreach, HIV prevention services, and psychosocial support. However, Legoreng stressed that more must be done, including reducing stigma, expanding inclusive services, and addressing the root causes of inequality.