Kenya: Sex for jobs in export processing zones
NAIROBI: At the gates of one of Kenya's export processing zones (EPZs) men and women push and shove each other, trying to get their national identity cards taken by the guards.
Having one's card taken increases the chances of being employed that day as a casual labourer at one of the factories set up to boost the country's export capacity. Men often bribe guards and managers to get jobs, but sex is the preferred inducement for women.
"Let me be honest with you, for us women, and especially young ones like us, it is difficult to get a job here without having sex with the bosses," said Rosaline Muendo*, who has worked as a seamstress in an EPZ for the past three years.
