Improving relations between female sex workers and the general public in Zimbabwe : an action research project

Abstract

This dissertation is a participatory expository of how theatre for conflict transformation can be used as a tool to build better relations between female sex workers and members of public in Harare and Seke in Zimbabwe. In this study the treatment of sex workers in Zimbabwe and worldwide is highlighted using both literature review and personal experiences of female sex workers and members of public. The dissertation provides a thematic analysis of life histories of female sex workers with four themes emerged from the data namely, childhood experiences, motives of why the women entered sex work and continue to engage in sex work, the women’s experiences of sex work, and discontinuity. A participatory theatre for conflict transformation derived from the themes is conducted by a group of members of public. Results of this research show that participatory theatre for conflict transformation can be used as a tool to mend broken relationships where members of the public can be turned into empathetic and conscientised spectators