The Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT), together with Sisonke, the National Movement of Sex Workers, will commemorate the International Day to End Violence against Sex Workers, 17 December, over the next few days through a series of activities in six provinces around the country.
Sex workers, allies and activists will gather to pay tribute to the many sex workers who have died – often viciously murdered; and those who have suffered violence, abuse and brutality at the hands of police, clients and the general community.
Civil society organisations and government’s calls reverberate the loudest during the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. The sex work industry is still reeling from the ongoing case of the six workers found brutally raped and murdered in Johannesburg in October this year. Sisonke National Organiser, Kholi Buthelezi says ‘treatment of sex workers under the criminal justice system has failed. Abuse from people who should be protective of the community are not responding to sex workers and it is concerning that government is not prioritising the sex work community.
The criminalisation of sex work increases violence and stigma and undermines the constitutional right of people choosing to sell sex. Research has shown that female sex workers are 18 times more likely to be murdered than other women and we call on the South African government to acknowledge the harmful effects of criminalisation and for the Department of Justice to honour its commitment to finalise the legislation to decriminalise sex work
Please join SWEAT, Sisonke in supporting civil society organisations when we amplify sex worker voices across the country.
For more information on activities in your area call toll-free 0800 60 60 60 of send a please call me or ‘WhatsApp’ to 071 357 7632.