Caroline Njoroge, now 37, has spent the last 24 years navigating the challenging terrain of night work in Nairobi. Known in her profession as Esther, she embarked on this path at the tender age of 14, following her mother’s tragic demise at the hands of a client. Today, she serves as the Deputy Coordinator of the Kenya Night Workers Alliance, shedding light on her remarkable journey and the realities she faced.
“When my mother passed away, I found myself adrift, with no support. Unable to stay with relatives, I fled my rural home and found solace in the streets,” Caroline reflects. She found refuge in a brothel run by a woman named Fatuma, who provided shelter and sustenance. However, the price for these basic necessities was night work.
Caroline’s youth made her especially vulnerable, unable to advocate for safe practices. Initially earning meager sums of Sh200 to Sh500 per client, she soon realized the harsh truth: clients favored younger night workers, exposing her to exploitation and recurring transmitted infections due to lack of healthcare.
As years passed, Caroline recognized the violation she endured. Physical and violence became commonplace, met with impunity. Society’s perception of night work as demeaning meant she was denied her childhood, facing judgment and arrest by law enforcement officers.
In 2010, Caroline’s life took a turn when she encountered a non-profit organization offering education about reproductive health rights, free healthcare, and condoms. Empowered by this knowledge, she became a peer-educator, advocating against violence and ensuring fellow night workers had access to essential resources.
Reflecting on her past, Caroline emphasizes the need for governmental support, particularly psychosocial assistance for girls living on the streets. She dispels misconceptions, highlighting the lack of awareness about contraceptives among night workers. Despite her challenging journey, Caroline asserts her agency, stating, “night work is work. It’s my choice, not exploitation. This is the path I’ve chosen.”
By Kenyansonline