About this research
Grace O'Leary (Te Arawa, Nga Puhi), University of Waikato
Māori sex workers are over-represented in street level sex work - an area known to be prone to more human rights abuses, unreported violence, riskier health and safety workplaces, higher rates of illicit substance abuse, and lower age of entry. As with many sex workers in Aotearoa, Māori sex workers continue to be discriminated against both in their jobs, and out, in areas such as housing and healthcare.
This research aims at addressing issues of stigma, discrimination and victimisation by providing a space where Māori women sex workers can speak about their bodies not as primarily sex working bodies, but bodies that participate in another aspect of society (with much less discrimination associated), that of sport and physical activity. My findings thus far reveal the ways sport and physical activity provide a mechanism for Māori women sex workers to problematise, feel, and celebrate their bodies.
Through sharing and connecting with other bodies, Māori women sex workers play an important part of shaping their identities and challenging stereotypes about what a sex working body is and can or cannot do.
Grace O'Leary (Te Arawa, Nga Puhi), University of Waikato
Māori sex workers are over-represented in street level sex work - an area known to be prone to more human rights abuses, unreported violence, riskier health and safety workplaces, higher rates of illicit substance abuse, and lower age of entry. As with many sex workers in Aotearoa, Māori sex workers continue to be discriminated against both in their jobs, and out, in areas such as housing and healthcare.
This research aims at addressing issues of stigma, discrimination and victimisation by providing a space where Māori women sex workers can speak about their bodies not as primarily sex working bodies, but bodies that participate in another aspect of society (with much less discrimination associated), that of sport and physical activity. My findings thus far reveal the ways sport and physical activity provide a mechanism for Māori women sex workers to problematise, feel, and celebrate their bodies.
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