First Lady engages sex workers
WEARING a tight and revealing short dress, Wadzanai and her peers loiter close to a dimly-lit shop veranda at Mverechena Shopping Centre in Domboshava.
Despite the biting cold weather, the ladies appear comfortable in their bare attire while beckoning any passing male towards them.
The moment a car parks near them, they gather around the driver like fleas attracted by light.
One-by-one the ladies disappear from the veranda only to reappear after a while and continuing with their game until daybreak.
Welcome to the world of commercial sex workers where the cold and dignity countless.
Only money counts.
But not everyone is amused by their work and are working tooth and nail to ensure they divert their energy on something dignified.
It is because of this that commercial sex workers from Mbare, Hatcliffe and Domboshava yesterday started the week with a rare visit from First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa who encouraged them to quit the world’s oldest profession and earn clean money through using their hands and brains.
During the visits, the mother of the nation was accompanied by religious, business and health experts who emphasised the need to maintain dignity through leading honest lives.
Though appearing to earn them quick buck, the First Lady said prostitution exposed the women to sexually-transmitted diseases, cervical cancer and violence.
She said it was critical for women to respect their bodies and shy away from risky behaviour.
The First Lady’s aim is to rehabilitate and economically empower them through various projects.
“I have come so that we map the way forward vana vangu. As a mother I want to walk with children who want to work, use their hands and brains. I want you to appreciate that you are important my children. To me saAmai, there is nothing difficult or shameful. We want to come up with something tangible and I have brought many speakers so that we teach each other on certain issues,” she said.
Sister Felistas Nyika, community sister-in-charge, who was part of the First Lady’s entourage made the commercial sex workers appreciate they were risking their health.
“The work you have been doing is risky. Some were not practicing safe sex and were prone to sexually-transmitted diseases. You were also at risk of contracting HIV and cervical cancer.
“Now if your health is compromised, will you be able to cope with the various projects Amai has for you. Let us leave this profession and I urge you all to utilise the Angel of Hope Foundation’s mobile clinic and get screened for cancer and other ailments,” the nurse said.
On Covid-19, she said they were at risk because they come into close contact with different clients.
Bishop Dr Patience Hove, spoke about fighting resistance and read from Luke 8:1-3.
She spoke about the woman who washed the feet of Jesus and became a new creation.
“That woman became an entrepreneur, she was uplifted and never looked back after demons were cast from her. What has been started by the First Lady will transform your lives. Be resilient and fight things that pull us back. As women you have been remembered and lifted up by Amai and let us work,” she said.
Her words were echoed by Pastor Idah Chikono who spoke about the need to use one’s hands.
She read from Jeremiah 31:15-17 which shows that God blesses the works of someone’s hands.
“You could have entered the world’s oldest profession because of circumstances, but understand that God loves you and blesses the works of your hands. When my husband died in 1984, I started a sewing project to fend for my children.
“I want to tell you that nothing can come out of selling your body. You are fearfully made and treasure yourselves as women and not sell your flesh.
“From today be proud of your body, know God.
“Our mother has love for you and that is why she came to you following what is written in the bible. Do not go back to the streets because you have been lifted up by the First Lady from the dust,” she said as the commercial sex workers nodded in agreement.
Mrs Odiline Kava spoke about grooming, etiquette and business management tion.Shetaughtthewomenpersonal hygiene, attire, speech, composure, customer care and financial literacy.
“When choosing a project, do things you are passionate about not because a neighbour is doing the same,” she said.
So deep and far-reaching were the lectures that they even touched on dignity.
Mrs Briggette Matenganzara, a high school teacher, said it was important for children to derive inspiration from their parents.
Mrs Matenganzara said she lost her husband when all her children were in primary school and she had to work hard to succeed.
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