Protecting sex workers
Sisonke and BONELA join hands to reduce violence against sex workers
Sisonke Botswana Organisation has developed a policy brief that will be used to lobby policy makers to decriminalise sex work in Botswana.
Sisonke Botswana in partnership with Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA), supported by AIDS Funds are currently implementing the Hands Off project which is on the second phase with the aim of protecting sex workers.
Programs Officer at Sisonke, Mandla Pule said they are lobbying for the law and policy reform to ensure that sex workers are included and accepted in the community.
He said their main objective is to advocate for the removal of legal barriers identified the Legal Environment Assessment that was conducted as part of the Global Fund support grant.
“The policy brief would specifically advocate for the repealing of
section 155 from the penal code that says; living off the proceeds of sex work is a criminal offence…,” Pule said.
He strongly implores all stakeholders, including public members to stop stigmatising sex workers, and violating their rights as they are one of the most at risk populations affected by HIV/AIDS.
Pule said the project’s main goal is to reduce violence against sex workers at community and national level within Botswana.
It is implemented in four sites; Gaborone, Palapye, Selibe-Phikwe and Francistown.
Among strategies to reduce violence against sex workers, they have mobile emergency response system operated by paralegals.
The system allows sex workers to report cases of rights violations they experience to their paralegals. These calls are then treated as cases and referred to BONELA legal for further investigations and mitigation and thereby ensuring access
to justice.
Pule said the system has also enabled sex workers to access health services during the current State Of Emergency that began last year.
Through the system sex workers are able to make appointments for ART refills; PrEP initiation, access to psycho-social support services and request for condoms and lubricants.
“Under this project we are currently maintaining safe spaces for sex work within the four sites where the project is being implemented.
“The safe spaces provide a conducive environment for sex workers while they receive health related services”, Pule said noting that this is done in collaboration with District Health Management teams where the project is being implemented.
This will also allow sex workers to host support group meetings and share information on how best to protect themselves and lead healthy lifestyles.