The Sexuality Blog: SWEAT needs your help to decriminalise sex work in South Africa

Sex work

Here at the Sexuality Blog, we won’t even pretend that we are against sex work. It would be hypocritical for us to constantly preach the message of the autonomy of people and their right to express their sexualities however they wish provided they do not harm others, and then turn around and fight against sex work because it goes contrary to our moral principles or personal values. Sex work has always existed and has long been a way for people to take control of their lives. However, because of the stigma attached to sex work, especially in religious countries like Nigeria and South Africa, sex workers are often the victims of violence, discrimination and ostracisation. The fact that they have to hide their occupations opens them up to exploitation and makes them vulnerable to pimps and traffickers. This is why the South African non-profit organisation SWEAT is working to petition its national government to decriminalise sex work.

SWEAT is the founding member of Asijiki Coalition for the Decriminalisation of Sex Work, and a steering committee member together with Sisonke, National Movement of Sex Workers in South Africa, Sonke Gender Justice and Women’s Legal Centre. The Coalition consist of a group of sex workers, activists, advocates and human rights defender who advocate for the law reform and full decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa.

Far too many people are exploited because they are either forced to engage in prostitution or have chosen it as a way to escape poverty. In Nigeria, we routinely hear stories of sex workers being sexually assaulted, robbed and raped by policemen and regular bystanders. So we can only imagine what it must be like for sex workers in South Africa. This is why we must take action and help by signing the SWEAT petition here.

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