POLOKWANE – In a bid to fight the stigma around sex workers, the Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) recently held a dialogue with sex workers from in and around the city to listen to their challenges and empower them about HIV/aids related diseases.
This was also part of the government’s initiative to spread the national sex worker HIV plan, which seeks to ensure sex workers are not marginalised and stigmatised.
CDM acting mayor, Patricia Mahlo, said women who were in the business of sex should not have to suffer and die from sexual diseases that were preventable and treatable.
“Whatever views individuals may have about making a living out of sex, we cannot deny our people human rights to engage in this business. These people have a right to be treated with dignity just like any other person,” she said.
Mahlo further said civil society and interest groups had so far not done enough to ensure sex workers were empowered and not abused or discriminated against.
“Let us all pledge to end all forms of violence, discrimination and stigma against sex workers. Let us develop sound policies and pass progressive laws that promote human rights for all,” Mahlo said.
One concerned sex worker who asked to remain anonymous told CV that the attitude and perception of society about sex needed to change as they were also working and making a living out of this business.
“We represent the most vulnerable, abused and stigmatised profession and with no resources to justice because of stereotypes. We experience hardships in accessing healthcare. Like any other citizen, we have dreams and we call upon all citizens to respect and stop discriminating us,” she said.
