1
Serving young sex workers Ruth Mwaiwao Kundecha,
HIV Officer
Family Planning Association of MalawiPrivate Bag B424Capital CityLILONGWE 3
Tel: 01773915email: [email protected]
2
A brief background I am 17, a sex worker, a mother of 7 months old baby. My mother separated with my father when I was young
and I stayed with my father’s family until he died. I don’t know where my mother is. I could not continue with
school because the family could not support me. My friends told me I can earn a living at a nearby township by selling sex. I tried it, I thought for once its working now it is 2 years since. I make enough money for me and my baby. In the last year I have slept in a cell on three occasions, why? The police cannot explain to me- sex work is illegal. But where is it written? Why demanding sex from me as a bribe if it is truly illegal?
3
Why Chigwilizano? Chigwilizano is home to 211 SW, located 7 km
west of Lilongwe City. Chigwilizano lies at the end of 2 well known
locations of Likuni and Chinsapo. The population surrounding these 2 townships is
10,727 The area is served by a catholic hospital where
condoms and modern methods of contraception are not provided.
4
Activities
peer education programmes
5
Activities Outreach clinics for STI treatment, VCT, FP
and condom distribution Safer sex campaigns condom promotion campaigns in the bars
and other entertainment places
6
Activities Training and
provision of capital for income generating activities like tailoring, hairdressing and restaurant
7
Challenges Increasing cases of lock and vagabond as
they patronise the entertainment units hence difficult for them to access SRH services
Weak advocacy efforts for SW Increasing incidence of sexual violence by
the clients which goes unnoticed where the law does not protect SW.
8
Remember………… I'm a mother whatever income I get supports my
children get a better life Am an orphan I have a life to live I have my rights
WHY? Lock me up Criminalise my HIV status Why me?