COMMERCIAL SEX WORKER AND SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTION IN RIVERS STATE

The involvement of women in commercial sex work in Rivers State has remained a persistent social issue, often exposing them to stigmatization, economic instability, and emotional trauma. Social work interventions, including advocacy, vocational training, and psychosocial support, are implemented to address these challenges and facilitate reintegration into families, alternative employment, and mainstream society. This study examines the extent to which these interventions effectively meet the needs of commercial sex workers and support their reintegration. The Ecological System theory by Urie Bronfenbrenner was adopted to guide the study. A descriptive survey research design was employed, involving interviews with 25 purposively selected participants, including commercial sex workers and social workers engaged in intervention programs. Data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns, experiences, and outcomes related to advocacy, vocational training, and psychosocial support. The findings revealed that advocacy programs moderately improved awareness, reduced overt discrimination, and enhanced participants’ confidence, although stigma remains entrenched. Vocational training enhanced employable skills and income diversification, leading to partial economic reintegration, but limitations such as lack of start-up capital and economic pressures constrained full transition from sex work. Psychosocial support significantly improved emotional well-being, self-esteem, and coping mechanisms, yet structural and social barriers continue to limit long-term reintegration. The study recommends integrated, sustained, and policy-backed interventions that combine advocacy, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support to ensure the holistic reintegration of commercial sex workers.