Sex Workers: Lives in the Shadows - BBC Africa Eye documentary

For many years, filmmaker Tyson Conteh has followed the lives of sex workers in his hometown of Makeni, in Sierra Leone.
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In the hope of raising awareness of their collective situation, he was given unprecedented access to a world of danger, drug addiction and even death.
Activists estimate that there are more than 20,000 women engaged in sex work in Sierra Leone - a situation fuelled by high unemployment, a crippling cost-of-living crisis, and the lingering trauma of the country’s ten-year civil war.
Over the course of four years, Tyson documented the perils sex workers are forced to navigate daily, from extreme violence and disease to the crippling effects of ‘kush’ - a powerful street drug that has wreaked havoc among the youth of Sierra Leone.
Worse still is the threat from human traffickers, who have lured countless women into sexual slavery abroad, either by force or with false promises of better jobs.
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Africa Eye brings you original, investigative journalism revealing secrets and rooting out injustice in the world’s most complex and exciting continent. Nothing stays hidden forever.
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#SierraLeone #SGBV #Trafficking #Documentary #WomensRights #AfricaNews #BBCEye #Kush #Addiction #BBC100Women

[@BBCAfrica]

Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 bit.ly/subscribetoafrica 🗞Read more about his investigation here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyw8xgeyq3o 🎞 Watch the 2021 #BBCAfricaEye documentary "Lady P and the Sex Work Sisterhood" here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iorQiX6MjZlgjdU

[@tasneemhayati092]

Waiting for Arabic version

[@Malaika2311]

How do i reach you if i have a story for you?

[@anyaitfaith851]

@@BBCAfrica how can we help these people

[@LA-mi1rh]

Hello, I would like to pay for the education of the little girl living with her grandmother.

[@ebsincamara2246]

You're not just a journalist, you're a saviour to those poor women, and their kids 💯 Youre a good man 💯

[@charlesopudo7192]

Empowerment of girl child should be every leader's priority.

[@chilekwak.chilekwaii4960]

It should be empowerment of ALL citizens. Girls and boys! females and Males! Have you watched a documentary on drug & alcohol abuse among abused boys? They are conscripted into carrying out heinous acts on behalf of criminal gangs and are made to cash in every other night. Those going for days without cashing in are torched or killed or a member of their family is targeted and killed. This treatment makes them become tough and ruthless and you wouldn't want to meet them in the street nor wish that they met any of your family members. So, my take is, empower both boys and girls as a matter of life priority and you will have solved the problem. Empowering only the girls is a half baked solution...(My thoughts!)

[@chickynuggies2739]

its not profitable for them

[@brianmaitai7685]

But for the grace of God go we....WAIT...There is no God LOL

[@keepcalm._]

Empowerment of both genders, no one should be left behind

[@PAPARichy1.]

Not in Africa 🌍

[@user-db1um8ct8z]

There are so many issues in Africa. I feel so defeated sometimes when I think about it.

[@kingmaafa120]

Google Dr Henrik Clarke Rim ❤

[@africanawang2674]

It's all over the world but they don't show it so it appears like problems are only in Africa

[@v.e4103]

Man, it is everywhere, not only in Africa.

[@milesinnz]

there is only one issue.. all the others are as a result of this... a population explosion...

[@moveone9013]

@@africanawang2674wft just bc it’s everywhere doesn’t mean is okey to continue to happen to OUR AFRICANS!

[@rays_of_gloria]

“My mum was killed in the street,I don’t want them to kill me on the streets like how they killed my mum” Shredded my heart into pieces😢 How can we help that small girl?🥺

[@kb9826]

One would love to help her go to school but making sure the $ would be used for that purpose is where the problem is.

[@princessalinacherry9822]

I want to

[@nmd298]

Exactly that broke me.

I think the best, is you travel there, take the girl to school, and pay the money direct to school, like for the whole primary school fees in this case. Life is cheap there, that can be like 500 U.S $​@@kb9826

[@lebohangm7252]

@@kb9826maybe get the reporter to find her, help her apply for school and pay the fees directly to the school

[@hananyusuf8649]

A result of African leaders’ greed and incompetence 💔💔

[@patrolsoilder1192]

And most of them claim to be pan-africanists. It's so infuriating. They live in lavish mansions.

[@Doxissy]

The African leaders send them to do that??

[@nmd298]

​@@Doxissystupid question ⁉️⁉️. If the government are not greedy with the commonwealth of their people things like this should not be happening in this century. They live big while others should go and die.

[@TravisGunderson-ge9nh]

@@Doxissyno but African leaders can do better by providing better opportunities for this ladies to look into rather than no options other than prostitution.

[@chris_manga.5627]

West African leaders

[@sallymwasi]

I’ve cried for all women, especially the death of Zainab. I thought at the end of the documentary she would have survived coz she was taking her meds. I am so heartbroken 💔😭😭😭May her soul rest in peace.

[@kevinlaw1138]

I knoooow....it was really heartbreaking

[@smallmaniyor]

This reporter is really putting in the work. We need more people like him. Thank you for sharing the stories of these women. Praying for these women and their families.

[@mrmartin2079]

Humans can be so cruel to other humans -

[@emmanuelowusufrempong5186]

Not all humans but Africans especially.

[@voicecommunities4810]

​@@emmanuelowusufrempong5186 The Caucasians are more cruel than Africans. Africans learnt cruelty and wickedness from them.

[@MakenzieSmith-y7k]

Z Not true​@@emmanuelowusufrempong5186

[@asimeta]

The reporter will likely need therapy after all he’s seen there.

[@HajaJakaBanya-gw2xv]

Sure

[@anyaitfaith851]

yes which is sad.even us the viewers are traumatised what about the reporter who was live at the scenes

[@brimarichardmansaray3697]

For sure

[@anyaitfaith851]

@@brimarichardmansaray3697 yes

[@jibril2950]

As a Ghanaian,the moment i heard the mention of Nigeria,i knew Ghana was going to be next,the Nigerian pimp in Mali should be arrested

[@BrotherTshepang]

And when South Africans complain about Nigerian sex trafficking, cries of xenophobia permeate the X streets

[@djnelyford6487]

This documentary broke my heart. The pain and suffering these women endure just to survive is unimaginable, especially knowing they are trapped in such harsh conditions with little hope of escape. Seeing their resilience despite everything is overwhelming, yet their situation highlights a deep-rooted societal failure that we cannot continue to ignore. Tyson Conteh, your work is more than journalism; it is a voice for the voiceless, shining a light on the shadows we often avoid. Big up to you for your courage and dedication.

[@benonkiyingi1988]

What shall we do??? Am from East Africa and the situation of sex workers is not any different, I can't help but shed tears. what shall we do, The Bible asks us a question, '' TO WHOM SHALL WE GO???????? '' in (JOHN 6: 68) The Holy Bible, we in Africa our problems are beyond us w, we need the help of God

[@xoxox903]

I really wish they didn’t have kids. It makes the situation worse for everyone. This is too sad

[@andreasbalaskas7292]

The toxic question remains, these kids, when grows up and turns teenagers [or] adults. And start making questions (2) their mothers, about their fathers, which should be their mothers answer??? Kids: Mom, who & where is my father?? Mother: I worked as sex worker, when I was young without experience, because I needed money [that time]. The first man, I had sex, you were the result [I was pregnant 2 you]. After that, I didn't see the man who left me pregnant and I raise you alone!! Billion Congratulations BBC (4) this documentary, wish (4) more like this one!!!

[@iiixszi2749]

There is a lot of things ro unpack here. 1. Societal conditioning of women role to always have a child. 2. Lack of access to good health care (some of this women might not even know what plan b and they might know and don'thave the money for it because keep in mind they are nit making that much and the main focus is to provide for the kids) 4) abortion would be risky because it would be shrink involved, giving birth might be easier because they might just need the help of women around them who has experience about this things.

[@rockspeter]

Moreover fatherless children

[@dadakeshinro6749]

They are trapped in poverty and with no education is combination of high cocktail 😢😮

[@chris_manga.5627]

So true why have kids just to make them suffer

[@alicehappiness509]

Life is indeed spiritual... looking at all those beautiful ladies,you notice the devil has brought them to hopelessness,stripped them off thr beauty!!! It's Soo sad 😭. The devil comes to steal,kill and destroy he has stolen thr joy,peace thr very being and left them as shells!! Ooh God have mercy on your children.

[@charlenewhittaker1674]

No humans have done this - its nothing to do with the devil... humans cause suffering to each other, and humans can stop making each other suffer. Some lives are just deemed to be worth nothing and people have decided that. It's sad but its true - it's a travesty.

[@lolaispure4296]

Amen

[@totheempireempire5720]

Oh my god, this video, this documentary-it broke me. It made me cry, made me feel so deeply sad. As a man, it struck something inside me that I can’t even explain. How, as a society, as a country, even as a whole continent, can we allow things like this to happen? I’m completely drained. As a man, I’m left speechless. There’s nothing left for me to say.

[@Oneorangejuice]

Isn't it just Africa, it's the entire Planet, I'm traveling and I'm watching how the world is right now highly dangerous. When I went to Kenya in 98 there were several females in the side walk of principal roads next to the international airport practicing sex graphically there, today with these crises not just Africa, absolutely the entire world isn't female friendly at all.

[@AminaPhilosophy]

Now you must DO something.

[@starj5114]

Thank you for having a heart

[@ItIsTheLordWhoKeepsme]

I think this man is a fella

[@missd411]

Hold other men accountable

[@sally-annmarcus3218]

This documentary was powerful, and I cried. Some things these ladies go through just to provide a better life for their family. My hat goes off to the journalist and the cameraman.

[@dromerine67]

Thank you for bringing their stories to the world and humanizing them.

[@BBCAfrica]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. 🙏

[@mandip11neupane15]

Let them also do a BBC uk eye and show the bad side of the uk, this isn't about journalism, it's about continuing the negative publicity of Africa.

[@OlalekanGbolagade]

Thank you so much for your wonderful thoughts...the BBC should stop defacing Africa.​@mandip11neupane15

[@OlalekanGbolagade]

What about those sex in the UK in the Middle East in Europe and America..why is there no BBC UK eye or America eye or BBC Middle East eye or BBC Asian eye..why always BBC Africa eye common BBC stop defacing Africa and Africans.

[@Michaelsirongokanyanga]

Next stop in Colombia sex worker. The worst of them all​@@BBCAfrica

[@shawnaellcey6970]

I really like this reporter, he is good. 👍

[@mandip11neupane15]

He's a sell out and a plantation slave, he's being used by the colonial masters to continue portraying Africa as the dark world, he's getting paid for this.

[@InezDowns-z5y]

The reporter is excellent !!! He is pure text book

[@terrig2222]

It’s such a rare sight to see an African man have empathy towards sex workers. Props to him for humanising these women .

[@hermajesty2165]

He was wiping invisible tears though. Other than that he's on the right side

[@maimounasakande1216]

Me too

[@writingpad7142]

God I cried for my sister's, the determination in Isata is beyond belief. The suffering is too much, God please intervene.

[@ezrabasil2521]

God doesn't exist

[@mansamusa1848]

Because you are Satan ​@@ezrabasil2521

[@rockspeter]

Sick yet forced to s.....

[@mariamoladapo1032]

Amin🤲🏼

[@xzoleni]

@@ezrabasil2521 Just because you don't believe in religion doesn't mean you should come on someones comment trying to negate that.. Especially on a video so heartbreaking like is that what you focus on???? You atheists are really something my gosh. Instead of you to ignore what you don't agree on you must pick and point at what doesn't agree with you. It must be so tiring living life like everything should be catered to you.

[@johnmutwiri5079]

If their government made lower level education free, it would save many pple from this trauma

[@AiahJKabba]

In Sierra Leone education is free from pre school to secondary school

[@AiahJKabba]

In Sierra Leone education is free from pre school to secondary school

[@fatimatary2677]

As a Sierra Leonean saying there is a free Education in Sierra Leone? since when and how effective it is to the common man please explain. Our people are suffering, no feature for the youth. the people that in Government are busy wasting the country resources and most of their children are in diaspora living lavish lifestyle. May God help we.

[@Flower-ck2bs]

@@AiahJKabbaHow can children from poor families attend school. Tired, sick, hungry, no clothes or shoes, problems att home and unsecurity way to s school. You are talking something that is not functioning for all.

[@morningnekongo1985]

It takes more than just sending kids to school.

[@princethawani1351]

Now this is journalism

[@doreenwanjiku1034]

Nata threw me off so much. You could see in the beginning how she made herself look pretty, how she breastfed her baby and put a mosquito net over her to sleep. She cared so much for herself and her children. How she ended up that bad later is wild. Hope she is better now

[@zawadievans8162]

Corruption in african countries.very sad

[@pearlsof5534]

Why was Zainab seeing a witch doctor instead of a real doctor to get medicine to help her? This type of mentality needs to stop

[@futballpack5597]

Cus she doesn't have much knowledge about sTD's and people suggested to her it's spiritual problem that's y

[@kristel1515]

"She doesn't have a picture of her mother and so she drew her" hearing that breaks my heart.

[@ThembaEntertainment]

Poverty is Satan's number one weapon against God's children

[@xoxox903]

This is sad but I wish they didn’t give birth. The cycle doesn’t end. This documentary is tooo sad. I can’t help but blame politicians for forcing people into such lives. Corruption and extreme fraud is making the population suffer while their children are living their best lives. I refuse to believe that hell is not real. How can we donate to rougiatou😭

[@Flower-ck2bs]

Blame the colonizers and multinational companies too! Never say no to life. Maybe These children can have a future if we stop causing conflicts and stop exploiting african natural resources!!!

[@nelsonmaingi1297]

@@Flower-ck2bs Blame local politicians for corruption and poor governance. Colonizers went over six decades ago and you're still blaming them. It's time to take accountability and stop being toddlers

[@fibby-enymore6601]

Send the reports contact plss, a lot of us wants to help.. How can he be reached plss? 😭😭

[@beautysaul1618]

Watching this with a heavy heart because I can't believe since 2020 their circumstances have not changed.. The situation that these women are in is so painful to see. Big ups to the reporter for sharing their stories. I pray they get all the help they deserve.

[@BBCAfrica]

Thank you for staying with this story. 🙏🏽

[@elysianlagom2113]

This documentary put life into perspective, what I know as suffering isn't even compared to what these people go through. If anything I am thanking God more on this Monday morning.

[@corinnedominique7824]

Amen Sissi

[@fibby-enymore6601]

Amzar should check himself of HIV hence he was a boyfriend to Zainab bcos she clearly died of HIV..This documentary is so heartbreaking 😭😭.. African leaders are a shame to humanity!!

[@preciousmahlisa7160]

Yes he must go for check up

[@resonsindiyo3223]

Individuals in the commercial sex industry often face a variety of mental health challenges due to the unique demands of their work. The ongoing stress, societal judgment, and traumatic experiences linked to this profession can severely impact their mental well-being. A key mental health issue many of these workers encounter is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Numerous sex workers frequently experience violence, abuse, and exploitation, leading to significant psychological suffering. Thank you, Tyson, for highlighting their struggles, pain, and trauma. Their humanity deserves recognition! Excellent work!

[@presentertelence1679]

*Love This Reporter is Real* 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@ousmanbojang8140]

not just in Sierra Leone, Kush and sex work if affecting the whole of West Africa. our governments need to work towards creating employment to the youths, just looking at how hard these young ladies work just to make a $1, keeps me doing nothing but just wonder if good paying job were created, life would have been better for everyone. it's almost 2:00AM here in The Gambia and i doubt that i will sleep a minute of this night. 😥

[@milesinnz]

oh, always the governments fault... it is a population explosion that has caused this.. have lots of babies, YOU take the responsibility...

[@laminfatty9837]

So sad 😞

[@milesinnz]

@@laminfatty9837 the money is there.. the punters.. the buyers of sex have money.. where did their money come from I wonder ?

[@Flower-ck2bs]

@@milesinnzMany of them do not pay. Just like in Bangladesh, There lorry drivers share one little girl or a boy for the same amount of money or bread….

[@milesinnz]

@@Flower-ck2bs I didn't know this... maybe there is a job for pimps after all.... I am aware what happens in some SE Asian countries.. as far as I have heard it is not at this level... I think a lot of it is the male attitude - I get that from Africans in Africa... I have a friend in Sierra Leone. smart young lady.. I will ask her... she has a good mother, but does not know her father very well - the men run off to have as many children with as many woman as possible. This is undoubtedly a cultural thing. How you change that I have no idea.

[@xoxox903]

This is insanely sad. To my fellow Africans, if we make it, let’s try our best to not live the rich man lifestyle. Let’s donate and contribute towards things that actually matter

[@kathyrama7079]

So sad, and without demand there is no supply. I pray men arise and fight this horrible so called form of work, it is so demeaning and evil. May all the sex workers heal from the ordeals. Good story telling. We humans can be damn evil to each other sometimes 😭

[@pasekamqinebe8693]

The story of young girl and her grandmother really touch me, especially when she what will happen to her when grandmother pass away 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔

[@NerdSplash5555]

She was the most beautiful baby girl❤could be a model ❤❤

[@MaAmanaTa]

It broke my heart 😭

[@honeymoon4169]

Myself and my wife saw this video yesterday. She is American and i am Nigerian. We both cried when we say the part Amzer cried and prayed for Zainab. We want to assist Amzer, please get back to us producer.

[@shawnaellcey6970]

It’s the KUSH. It’s their version of fentanyl or meth. 😢😢😢😢😢 They are in serious trouble once they use that drug.

[@BBCAfrica]

Yes, we actually made a documentary about Kush that you can watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2ewgYlvr6eLj8k

[@StanleyAdebayo]

Its more like meth

[@daniellekaindaneh1331]

You are absolutely correct

[@HafizullahAmiri-rk9ys]

sure its a huge phenomena, but what are important to do, in order to keep away of this trauma

[@jeremiahgeorge3548]

Thank you so much for making their story known; I pray they get the help they need.

[@mandip11neupane15]

Fool, this's isn't about journalism, which story of theirs has ever portrayed africa in a positive way? This isn't about journalism.

[@alphakaba6121]

This documentary brought me to tears, after seeing the hardship and suffering people are going through, I'll never complain again.

[@nyar_Oyugis]

Mr Conteh, God will bless you. I have never watched a documentary before that enabled me reflect so much upon this life and God’s blessings. What you have done for Aisata and the rest of the wonderful women is profound. It was very sad seeing Madam P grieve Zainab’s demise. Zainab did try her best. Ooooo this life. May life get easier for these women and may others. A mother’s love truly knows no bounds. Lots of hugs to you all … from 🇰🇪

[@clifftonnjoroge9301]

I weep for my motherland, how did we get here, this is political conmanship coupled with greed of our leaders. May God help us.

[@QuintineKunda]

😢 Ever since Sin stepped in it's all difficult here on earth. The Bible says, these ends things will be more difficult, evil will proliferate more than prior years. We have to be praying. May our sisters never choose this kind of Life.

[@bryanamboga7032]

Zainab broke my heart 😭😭😭

[@DeenChild]

They sound quite similar to Nigerians. The risk and dangers in this kind of lifestyle is crazy. I feel for them.

[@simipamzat6924]

How?? I’m finding it very hard to understand their pidgin English…

[@DeenChild]

@@simipamzat6924 Really? Yeah there is a little different sha but you can still code to an extent what they are trying to say.

[@Audioobscure]

It's so crazy to me that she just had a baby, is breastfeeding and has to leave her kids home while she goes out to have sex for money. 😢

[@milesinnz]

why have a baby when you don't even have a job yourself... and how many children did her mother have I wonder, and where is her father ?

[@shanghaichica]

@@milesinnzthey don’t have the same choices as we have. They can’t negotiate safe sex.

[@milesinnz]

@@shanghaichica its more than this .. religion + male cultural values.. the cultural values I get from what I am told by Africans in Africa. Men want as many children as they can with as many women as possible. Girls are often denied health or sex education by the religious .. same can be found in The Philippines, Iraq, Afghanistan .. the list goes on...

[@Flower-ck2bs]

@@milesinnzNever say no to life. And the hope are with us until we die. By the way, the colonizers old and new cause These sufferings!!!

[@Flower-ck2bs]

@@milesinnzDo not mix things with prejudice. You talked with wrong men.Everywhere there are god and bad people. Do you want to say that all men in west are bad? What happens during slavetrade and Why are pedofiles coming to Africa? You should read the global history and the current happenings to understand the causes and consequences that cause sufferings in Africa. Had not you read about UN soldiers that rape smal children from the age of 5 and paying them with an egg or a bread or a coin. Rape is also common in poverty where addiction to drugs and alchocol makes one mad. You can not judge These women. You do not walk in their shoes. You should know better!

[@thisandthat4932]

How can we contribute to them to change their lives for better? Any PayPal or bank accounts? We can make them start businesses and educate their children

[@thisandthat4932]

@@anyaitfaith851 sure we need to help

[@chikarayleigh4534]

If you send money to drug abusers they will use it for drugs.

[@reubenmwangi4290]

Africa is a hard continent to live in. So hard to be sincere.

[@joyetinosa6965]

Africa has nothing to do with this,so why poeple from Brazil,colombia,domenica,Romania,Abena,Thailand,cuba,as for Brazil both the men.

[@lansanafofanah9988]

What a sad story from my country. This filmmaker deserves an award for putting his energy together. The kids deserve humanitarian supports from good people so that they cannot end the same way like their mothers

[@kadiatoufollybah8199]

This is incredibly sad. The journalist is an amazing man

[@simplytee9643]

Zainab’s death doesn’t sit right with me there’s definitely more to that story for sure .. she was doing so well she even had her HIV medication ..so something else happed to her..

[@thatgirltinaaa7300]

I think we should interview the men (clients) to see why they use vulnerable women without feeling guilty

[@DrDianeThompson]

Heartbreaking. How can we help?

[@stagecoachmechanic]

you cant

[@collinsoconnor5843]

No one should help them

[@moveone9013]

@@collinsoconnor5843why???

[@moveone9013]

@@stagecoachmechanicwith that mindset, this is why we are here

[@lizowilliam013]

@@collinsoconnor5843why?

[@Richard61200]

A good man rescuing the lady’s from traffickers .

[@ven-venvybz8775]

I was with you 4 yrs ago my brother and im still crying with you😢😢 GOD 🙌🏾 BLESS YOU Prayers up for my ppl!!!

[@calmness956]

IT LITERALLY BROKE MY 😢HEART TO WATCH IT.GOD LORD JUST CAME UP ON KZbin.SERIOUSLY CHILLING FEELING.MEANWHILE IN THE WEST WOMEN CALL IT AS EMPOWERMENT AND FEMINISM HOW SICKENING AND DISGUSTING WORLD WE LIVE IN????????????

[@anyaitfaith851]

i have followed this story since 2020 and fast forward 2024, nothing has changed.My heart is broken

[@silveronu]

exactly . I followed it from covid 19 till now. I am suprised that their leader is still strong keeping more girls. in that first documentary, she said she fights for these girls not to be abused.

[@anyaitfaith851]

@@silveronu I think she’s helpless too I feel so bad for them

[@evembuguah397]

This is a very painful story,as a fellow woman it pains to see such beautiful ladies who were once so ambitious and hopeful with life go through such pain and misery.And the worst is this is just a small number from the millions in Africa and across the world who are in such a situation.

[@mimisikujui5514]

I wish more people saw this 😢

[@AbdulkarimKamara-ql4nv]

For those who might not know the country. This is Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 West Africa

[@amehka5416]

Who asked you?

[@epik7768]

😂

[@sheilamwaura6691]

Thankyou!! I was wondering

[@ChoroTesla]

​@@amehka5416and who ask you to come on reply?

[@princethawani1351]

We don't care as long as it's Africa most countries is the same

[@ategunalaafia]

Words fail me 😢 Thank you for sharing 🤝

[@mandip11neupane15]

Clown, it's even worse in UK but they'll never show it you, this's about journalism.

[@ba3725]

I'm so sorry, I wish the world could be different.

[@princessglandy6776]

This broke my heart as a feminist, we aren't better than all this women. Some ot us just more opportune

[@leflann2633]

That little orphan girl is so beautiful and adorable omg. I wish I could adopt her.

[@almanbanks5804]

You can if you want it's very easy and simple

[@daniellekaindaneh1331]

With the consent of her grandmother and a good lawyer you can adopt her legally.

[@mohamed88466]

In aad wasto ayaad rabtaa

[@DrBongiPhD]

What a powerful doc chronicling the major challenges women in sex work face in Sierra Leone. There was no mention of law enforcement in addressing the gangs that traffic and enslave the women. This report broke my heart.

[@allandaviemawingo4719]

I want an award for being the top fun of the BBC Africa eye!!!! Thanks Tyson for an eye-opening documentary...by the way , we also have Makeni here in Lusaka, Zambia

[@joellahart6602]

What is happening there please?

[@baxnjai]

This is why we die to go to Europe because our leaders are heartless and cruel

[@tewoderosadare]

Why do you cry brother?? this is all the life of public prostituters across the continents. In fact, there is more aggressive and hazardous things were done to them. This is the real impact of poverty!!! These and many more women work such things to educate their children, survive their lives, and sustain their basic needs for many different reasons. This is the image of Africa!! Poverty is bad. These all are the root causes of poverty. Social moral discipline may help to reduce these kinds of attacks.

[@Ordinary_life1]

"i don't want to be killed in the streets" how can we help that girl?? I cried watching Isata's current situation 😢

[@patrolsoilder1192]

The cycle of poverty. Driven by african leaders working for the western leaders while western leaders fight to maintain a grip on africa and its resources. Never ending

[@deedanielson5482]

My heart is bleeding. Thank you my brother for reaching out to these woman, even though they kept coming back to the streets.

[@roxyroxieroxann]

This is heartbreaking! I pray that many and the children will be saved out of this life in Jesus name

[@milesinnz]

if there really was a Jesus, does he get off on this sort of thing as he obviously does nothing about it

[@KingEdmund]

@@milesinnz God cannot be blamed for mankind's wickedness. If Jesus says, 'Love your neighbour as yourself' and someone decides not to, who's fault? God is a God of free will and will never force you to do something. There is no value in forced love/obedience.

[@milesinnz]

@@KingEdmund eh, God made man didn't he.. I thought God was perfect, but he made imperfect humans.. do you really think this makes sense to anyone who has any intelligence.. and you want to explain who the most desperate regions are the most religious, all trying to get out to less religious regions.. so about now, you run for the exit.. you ALL do...

[@milesinnz]

@@KingEdmund believers in God are found in the most desperate regions.. maybe God just picks on his own followers.. you think he "get's off" on this as he sits on his cloud looking down...

[@KingEdmund]

Miles, when God made man we were perfect but at the same time, God gave us free will. This can be evidenced by the two trees that were in the Garden Of Eden. If God wanted, he would have only left one tree. Unfortunately, free will comes with risks. Like I said before, there's no value in forced love or obedience. God doesn't want robots, He wants people who will freely love him.

[@germaingad]

Someone who is being kidnapped using a mobile phone. Please let's be a little bit serious.

[@SweettoothMarie77]

There are no words!

[@thapeloking]

West African leaders are so evil to their own people, how you fail your own to live under such conditions 😢🤮 I appreciate the little effort our leaders do in the Southern African countries 🇿🇦🇱🇸🇧🇼🇳🇦🇿🇲🇿🇼🇸🇿🇲🇿🇲🇼🇦🇴

[@ssentongohenryatanus4917]

After watching this, I feel really grateful for my life and thankful to God for the hardships I face daily. Working for a full day expecting a dollar profit

[@teute256_6]

Good on you. It's women like you who should be assisted. Instead of wasting resources on these girls who are addicted to fast money.

[@pearlsof5534]

Ameen

[@rossenburg]

The mother that sells fried cassava, when she said she gets $1 I was filled with tears.

[@BethKimberly-o1f]

Sometimes I think life is only difficult for men not knowing both men and women are facing life challenges I pray God heal them psychological and physical strength

[@culturetraditionofafrica964]

I have lost both my mother and father am living with my grandma 😢if my grandma die presently 😢😢 I don't have any were to go unless I end up in the street what a pitty statement for that little girl 😢😢😢 may Allah see her true this pain

[@everythingfaly3850]

I love this reporter’s work. Very detailed journalism

[@mayowaalomasojo4790]

This is crazy. And when you give them candid advice, especially on family planning,they hate you. I will always hate that adults bring children into this world to know their harsh realities, it's so selfish and callous. I'm so fed up!

[@medusagorgon8432]

So sad.💔

[@mrbless1569]

I was touched by your documentary on this subject in Africa. I have been gathering information about different countries in Africa to decide which countries would make a good location to bring my business to Africa. I want it in a country that can provide the right infrastructure to uplift the people of that country. Sierra Leon is now on my list.

[@fluffydivamitzy1917]

The best reporter

[@brianmaitai7685]

Both Liberia and Sierra Leone were founded by freed Black American slaves...Hmmm?

[@laminmcamara7153]

Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 is one of the richest countries with lots of natural resources but the civil war has ravaged the country and the government and all the powerful people are just looting the resources for themselves and the common man is just suffering with no hope whatsoever

[@kutlo1235]

Everywhere in this comment section is Africa, Africa everywhere but which country is this??! I sympathize with this ladies but im waiting for the day BBC Africa makes documentaries about cross boarder crime, tribalism & its effect on most African countries being unable to build functional countries, Exposing corrupt politicians, Exposing druglords & the myth that body parts makes people rich. Do documentaries that helps people think and influence uprisings.

[@esthermayanja9745]

Watching this, has broken me down, as an intercessor I have got a reason to cry before God, these are my real sisters though from a different country, I thought it's only Uganda that has such problem s, I didn't know that here it's beyond, may God intervene and do something 😢😢

[@syritasdoneitgoodytwoshoes2471]

so tragic

[@zeyechmahir1020]

One thing that's prevalent in all these ladies situations is single motherhood, sadly they are enslaved to their children sacrificing everything to feed them, perhaps their lives could be less stressful if kids were out of the equation. Young ladies take notes please, single motherhood is a loop that can hardly be broken 💔 once you are caught in it, you are consumed

[@no5972]

Tyson and his team are doing the Lord’s work. They are the light in this world filled with darkness. May God bless you all abundantly. And may God be with the millions of women around the world in this similar situation🙏🏾♥️

[@modiehimogashoa1855]

It's been 15 minutes, but I'm crying so much, I don't know if I'm strong enough to watch the entire documentary

[@mercymumbi2510]

God have mercy😢

[@jombajomba6531]

We Kenyans don't care if we are happy or not we just enjoy life everyday😏

[@lesliemashayahanya2775]

Advice-If you are a young person who is financially insecure/born into poverty but still childless, try by all means necessary to avoid giving birth to offspring until you are in a better situation financially because you will end up in an even dire situation and also begin disadvantaging an extra person (your child) by bringing them into an uncanny situation where they can't have a decent life. Having more kids in such circumstances only exacerbates an already dire situation.

[@user-db1um8ct8z]

I understand what you mean and to a certain extent, I agree, but most Africans in Africa are poor. By your advice, most of Africa should not be having children.

[@SageTech386]

It's better to completely say no to human reproduction anymore

[@rushgush]

what’s worse? selling sex for money ? or simply giving it for free in random relationships? 🤣🤣🤣

[@United-States-of-Africa]

Pickney means little child in Jamaica

[@user-db1um8ct8z]

Yeah, in Nigeria and Sierra Leone it’s “pikin” from the same “pickney”.

[@makindeoluwafemi6511]

Their husbands are needed to be arrested cos wtf are they doing, why won’t you take responsibility of your kids? This is so sad to watch 😢💔

[@OyeinmomomiEbizimo]

I cried ooo from start to finish This is so painful

[@JMDunia]

It was hard to watch. I felt angry and defeated. I find myself pondering whether the challenges we face stem solely from corruption and a deficiency in national leadership, or if they are also a result of our abandonment of cherished traditions. It’s disheartening to witness so many women striving to raise their children alone. Where are the men in all of this? It’s truly frustrating! Amidst this turmoil, the journalist stands out as the hero of the day. Thank you for shedding light on these vital issues!

[@Batya_I]

How can we help?

[@mckenzierise26]

Following

[@melvinbeckley9095]

Following

[@anyaitfaith851]

i really want to help too.especially Lady P

[@fibby-enymore6601]

Me too please.. I want to help more please I bet of you.. 🙏😭😭

[@SkyeMeester]

following