"Sugar Daddies" and "Sugar Babies": a form of prostitution disguised at high risk
The Sugar Daddies are rich men in search of pretty young women who need material or financial assistance.In this type of relationship, intergenerational sex fuels a vicious circle of contamination.
They are also older men transmit HIV/AIDS to younger women who will in turn contaminate their life partner, and so on.
In Africa as in the West, wealthy men finance the lifestyle or the studies of young women in exchange for their company.This is the phenomenon of "Sugar Daddies" or Papa-Gâteau.In Cameroon, websites relate young women, called Sugar babies and often older wealthy men called Sugar Daddies, literally, daddy cakes.
The Sugar Daddies would be men who have succeeded in their lives, but suffering from loneliness and seeking the younger female company.The Sugar Babies, ‘would be very young girls looking for wealthy men.But what kind of meeting is it actually between these "Sugar Daddy" and these "Sugar Baby"?
Célia is in license III, at the University of Yaoundé II.From the age of 20, this student in economic and management science assumes "sell" her body for money and equipment."Customers are looking for a company above all," she explains.They can be asked for an outing at the museum, restaurant or cinema.A sexual intercourse can follow, but this is not the only reason for the meeting.For her, these "services" are used above all to "pay the bills".
The connection is done on the site and the negotiations are carried out by private messages.After having paid a monthly subscription to the site, the "Daddy" can contact people whose profiles parade.Before agreeing on an appointment with the chosen person.In exchange for this "moment", of the money of course, the amount of which is set beforehand.And "bonus" gifts, according to "favors granted" to customers.
Célia says "sort" her clients on the side."Only wealthy people.Director of companies, executives ... mainly fifties, often married, ”she explains.And the relationship is often followed in the long term, "to be able to predict money in advance".
Sometimes not everything goes as planned."Difficult to really know who hides behind a screen before the meeting," she said.It is not uncommon to come across scams or perverts ".Célia has experienced traumatic experiences.I have known a few confusing moments.
Some people think they can afford everything as long as they pay.I had to face several attempts at assault or even blackmail.We think we are strong, but we are vulnerable ".Despite this, Célia continues to rub shoulders with "Sugar Daddy", by placing "limits".
Degrading and dangerous
In question, a certain "feeling of domination", according to Charline, 22 years old.Communication student at the SIANTOU SUPERIOR SIANTOUS Institute, she finances "her studies and her lifestyle" thanks to the meetings she does on a SUGAR DADDY site."Customers know that we are undergoing our situation, that we are with them out of necessity and not out of envy," she said.
So sometimes some take the opportunity to make degrading requests that they would not make in another situation."In a year, she will have completed her studies.A moment that she is looking forward to."I chose this option to pay for my apartment, out of necessity.But I don't want anyone, "she exclaims.
Feeling of fear
Julie is no longer a student.At 23, she obtained a BTS International Commerce two years ago.However, she continues to offer her services to men for women."By these activities, I won a certain standard of living that I did not have previously," she says.I sometimes made myself more than 100,000 or 200,000 FCFA in a month.I bought bags, big brand clothes, I frequented large restaurants ...
Difficult to come back down when you have known it all ”.He himself describes herself as a "slave" of this situation.However, ‘She would like to" leave "this feeling of" fear before each meeting "."My best friends are aware of my life in Sugar Baby, I send them the address and the name of the guy every time that I will see, if there is something for me.I would like to let go, but it's like it was this life that had chosen me ".
The "romanticism" and the "passion" displayed on the advertising truck seem far away.The danger is that these young women fall into a gear that will end up being something that they have not chosen at all
Echosantry
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