Sisonke National Movement

🗓️ December 17th: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers This day marks a day dedicated to raising awareness about the violence and discrimination faced by sex workers worldwide. Established in 2003 by the Gaia Foundation, to commemorate the tragic loss of several sex workers and highlight the need for systemic change. The date of December 17th was chosen to honor the lives lost and to advocate for the decriminalization of sex work, safer working conditions, and an end to the stigma that often leads to violence. Sex workers, particularly those from marginalized groups, face high rates of physical and sexual violence, police brutality, trafficking, and more. Unfortunately, many of these crimes go unpunished due to the criminalization of sex work. On this day, we remember those who have suffered and continue to advocate for: Legal reforms to protect sex workers. Safer working conditions, free from violence and exploitation. Greater societal understanding and support to eliminate the stigma surrounding sex work. This day is a reminder that the fight to end gender-based violence must include all marginalized groups, including sex workers. Let’s unite to protect all marginalized persons' rights, safety, and dignity. #EndViolenceAgainstSexWorkers #SexWorkerRights #DecriminalizeSexWork #16DaysOfActivism #HumanRights #GenderEquality

As we conclude this important discussion on the decriminalization of sex work, we reflect on the progress we've made and the challenges that remain. Yesterday, not only have we engaged in a critical dialogue about human rights, but also witnessed a significant moment in our advocacy journey – the signing of the pledge by the former Deputy Minister of Justice, John Jeffery. This act stands as a powerful commitment to advancing the rights and safety of sex workers and serves as a symbol of leadership and solidarity in our collective push for change. The signing of this pledge underscores the importance of moving towards decriminalization as a necessary step to protect the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of sex workers. It is a reminder that legal frameworks must evolve to reflect the values of equality, respect, and justice for all people, regardless of their work or circumstances. As we move forward, let us keep the momentum going, inspired by today’s discussions and actions. Together, we can continue to advocate for the rights of sex workers, ensuring they are not marginalized but instead empowered to live and work safely, free from discrimination and violence. "Thank you to the AIDS Foundation of South Africa for their financial support in initiatives of this magnitude, spearheading our human rights program particularly this two-day engagement. Not forgetting to mention the former Minister of Justice, KZN Legislature for their involvement. Stakeholders who have journeyed with us thus far for their unwavering commitment we remain humbled. "This is just the beginning, and together, we will continue to build a world where human rights are upheld for everyone," Kholi Buthelezi, Director Sisonke. #HumanRights #Decriminalisation #SexWorkIsWork

Decriminalisation of Sex Work: A Crucial Conversation at the Current KZN Conference This week, KZN is hosting a pivotal conference focused on the decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa—a topic that has long been at the heart of human rights and social justice debates. As discussions unfold, it is becoming increasingly clear that decriminalisation is not just about the legal status of sex work, but about the protection and empowerment of individuals who have long been marginalised. For too long, sex workers have faced criminalisation, violence, and stigma, leaving them vulnerable and excluded from basic human rights and protections. The conversations taking place at this conference are shedding light on the urgent need for a legal framework that prioritises health, safety, and dignity for sex workers. From legal reform to public health strategies, the discussions are exploring the intersection of law, rights, and healthcare, with a focus on practical solutions for a more inclusive society. The voices of sex workers are central to this movement, and as we push for reform, we must remember that decriminalisation isn't just about changing laws—it's about changing lives. It's time to stand in solidarity and ensure that sex work is recognised as legitimate work, deserving of respect and protection. #SexWork #Decriminalisation #HumanRights #SocialJustice #SouthAfrica #KZN #SexWorkerRights #PublicHealth #LawReform

Aidsfonds Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP) Funding for our HIV response needs prioritisation. With dwindling funds we cannot end Aids by 2030. We pledge your support.

A few days before we meet in KwaZulu-Natal, the Sisonke National Movement and AIDS Foundation of South Africa pledge your support by following this link: https://lnkd.in/dGCdZpmc and sign the petition. With sex work still criminalised we will not reach our 2030 goal to end HIV nor reach our 95 95 95 goals. Our access to health is continually compromised with endless cases of human rights violations. This is a pledge to address GBV and inequality in our society perpetuated by stigma and discrimination fueled by the criminalisation of sex work. #sexworkiswork #decriminalisesexwork #humanrights

AIDS Foundation of South Africa NACOSA - Networking HIV & AIDS Community of Southern Africa Human Rights Watch #Sikhathele #decriminalisesexwork

Phathisani Sibanda from our ally, the ARASA NGO [Aids and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA)], is joining us at the Policy Summit tomorrow. About Phathisani Well vested in human rights access to health, he holds a master's degree in human rights, peace, and development from Africa University and another in Sexual Reproductive Health Policy and Programming from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Phathisani serves as the Regional Key Populations Officer focusing on sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) programming and advocacy. With a keen interest in serving key, marginalised, and vulnerable populations in their diversity he has over five years of experience in Key Populations -oriented organizations. Phathisani has held various roles in community service organisations varying from research assistant, programs officer, and demand generation officer including serving in the SRHR youth advisory panel for East and Southern Africa. #sikhathele #decriminalisesexwork

Joining us at the Policy Summit, as one of the speakers is Leeroy Mkhokheli Gumpo from our sister Movement, Southern Africa Sex Workers Alliance (SASWA). About Leeroy A development practitioner serving as the regional coordinator for the Southern Africa Sex Workers Alliance-SASWA from Zimbabwe, Leeroy aged 27 is keen to work towards a decriminalised sex work trade. As a human rights activist and feminist, his dedication to sex work advocacy and deep passion for the community made him the perfect fit to lead this new regional movement. “I’ve been living with sex workers in the environment that I was brought up in. Back then sex work truly was criminalised, there were no platforms to speak out for sex workers’ rights,” Leeroy explains. “Growing up, I saw parents really striving to provide for their families through sex work and ensuring that their children would have a brighter future. That’s when I realised that sex workers are human and should be treated with dignity and respect.” When he began in his position at SASWA, his focus and priority was and is on the meaningful engagement of young sex workers. This priority has probed him to establish the Hands Off! Regional Young Sex Workers Advisory Group. This group will drive and inform future Hands Off! Programming. And, aware of the need that by working together in the regional programme more can be achieved, he has also fostered the inception of a great partnership between fellow regional programme implementing partners, the United Nations Development Programme - UNDP, SASWA and Aidsfonds Leeroy’s dream has been to coordinate the successful roll-out of a Regional Young Sex Workers Empowerment Academy in 2024, to raise a new generation of resilient young sex worker activists. #dignity #diversity #decriminalisesexwork

Sex work remains criminalized in South Africa, putting countless individuals at risk of violence, exploitation, and legal persecution. The current legal framework not only fails to protect sex workers but also perpetuates stigma and marginalization. This must change! It's time to move beyond punitive policies and embrace a harm reduction approach that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and rights of sex workers. Why decriminalization matters: ✊ Protecting human rights: Criminalizing sex work violates the fundamental rights of individuals to work freely and safely, without fear of arrest or violence. ✊ Reducing violence: Studies show that decriminalizing sex work can lead to safer working conditions and reduce the prevalence of violence against sex workers. ✊ Public health: Decriminalization provides an opportunity for better access to health services, including sexual and reproductive healthcare, and can help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. ✊ Social justice: Criminalization disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, including women, LGBTQIA+ people, and migrants, exacerbating their vulnerabilities. The global movement for the decriminalization of sex work is gaining momentum, and it's time for South Africa to join it. Policymakers need to prioritize the voices of those most affected by the current laws. Sex workers must be at the table, not on the outside looking in. As we push for change, we need to highlight the importance of inclusive policymaking, support evidence-based approaches, and ensure the empowerment of sex workers through advocacy and education. Let’s stand with sex workers in South Africa. Together, we can build a future where human rights, dignity, and safety are upheld for all ✊ #SexWorkDecriminalization #HumanRights #PolicyChange #SouthAfrica #SocialJustice #SexWorkerRights #Advocacy #HarmReduction #EndStigma

Sisonke National Movement shares these sentiments and urges the United Nations to reiterate these words to South African policy makers. Women in the sex work trade are continually victims of violence and femicide. We too deserve to work in a safe environment. #sexworkerslivesmatter