Hope for a change
Story of a sex worker PART 4
WE told the stories of Mary, Rose, and Audrey, who are sex workers on the streets of Suva.
Although subjected to violence and abuse because of the stigma associated with their profession, the three women are hopeful for a change.
With children as young as 14 being identified as sex workers, it has become crucial for the Government to implement a strategic approach to address the issue.
Assistant Minister for the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said the ministry was working towards getting homeless children off the streets.
“A separate department for children has been set up focusing on them specifically. Most children on the streets emerge from broken families,” Ms Kiran says.
“We have attempted to take those we can home, but they return.
“Unfortunately, this is because of the situation they face at home. Others, though, are addicted to street life.
“We are working closely with the iTaukei Affairs and Great Council of Chiefs to shift the children to their villages and find alternative pathways for them before they take to the streets.”
However, while plans for change are underway, there is a need for immediate action.
A group of former sex workers and their colleagues in the trade at that time established the Strumphet Alliance Network in 2014 to advocate for the promotion and protection of the health and human rights of sex workers.
The organisational board of the network is inclusive, consisting of not only female sex workers but also the cis and trans community.
They have conducted sensitisation programs with the police on the treatment and approach to sex workers, according to each unique situation.
From providing pre-packed Sunday lunches to condom distribution for their street-based members, the network is a pillar of support that struggling sex workers can rely on.
The secretary general of the Fiji Council of Churches, Reverend Simione Tugi, acknowledged the need to help their sisters on the streets.
“All stakeholders, including the Government, the vanua, the church, NGOs, CSOs and international agencies, should come up with programs and policies that will help reduce the problem of the sex trade immediately,” Mr Tugi says.
The sex industry is a complex one as it has socio-economic and health challenges that impact the workers and the wider community, including health conditions such as HIV/AIDs.
The UNAIDS reported in 2021, that Fiji had surpassed India with its HIV/AIDs statistics, recording a whopping 116 per cent increase, placing it second to the Philippines in the Asia Pacific region.
While the statistics reflect the lack of awareness of communities, it is tied to drug activities, pornography usage, and street activities that occur daily.
The Fiji Police Force has yet to respond to questions sent on (17/0/24) regarding allegations of police involvement with sex workers, along with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (15/01/24) relating to domestic violence victims who are now on the streets.
While perspectives regarding sex workers may vary, there is consensus that the Government needs to produce a solution instead of perpetuating the stigma of sex workers.
As Mr Tugi sums it up, “No one ever falls so far down society’s ladder that Jesus does not meet them there and extend his amazing grace!”
We have attempted to take those we can home, but they return Sashi Kiran