Protect the vulnerable, says CDM mayor
Although prostitution is illegal in South Africa, Acting Capricorn Municipality Mayor, Patricia Mahlo challenges residents to make a pledge to end discrimination against the vulnerable and protect sex workers.
POLOKWANE –Â She made this statement at a dialogue held by the Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) with sex workers from and around Polokwane on Monday.
The aim of the dialogue was to listen to their plight and empower them about their rights and protection against HIV/aids.
Representatives from various departments were invited to the dialogue, which included the Department of Health, Department of Social Development, South African Police Service, Commission for Gender Equality, Human Rights Commission, Women Legal Network, Moral Regeneration Movement, NGOs and others.
In a media release issued by the CDM, the dialogue followed weeks of government’s efforts to promulgate the national sex worker HIV plan, which in the main seeks to ensure that sex workers are not marginalised, vulnerable and stigmatised.
“Whatever views individuals may hold about sex work, whatever the legislation says about the legality of sex work, we cannot deny the human rights of people who engage in sex work. They have the right to be treated with dignity, the right to their bodily integrity and the right to say no,” said Mahlo.
She added that civil society and interest groups have not done enough to ensure that sex workers are empowered and not abused or discriminated against.
In the media release a sex worker spoke on condition of anonymity and said the attitude of society and perceptions about sex work need to change and that every sex worker has her own, often complicated reasons for entering the line of work.
“We represent the most vulnerable, stigmatised and abused profession and with little or no recourse to justice, because of stereotypes, we experience hardships in accessing healthcare. Like anyone else we have dreams, morals, beliefs and faith. We are sisters, cousins, and mothers who must fend for their families and children who love and appreciate us. Violence, violation and discrimination against us has to stop,” the woman said.
Mahlo said women involved in sex work should not have to suffer and die from diseases that are preventable, that are treatable and affect all.
