Businesswoman takes sex workers to school

Danisa Masuku
HAVING realised that sex workers lack information on their rights and are financially illiterate, a Bulawayo businesswoman has decided to educate them.

Providence Moyo has formed a trust called Devine Providence Foundation.

So far, about 20 commercial sex workers have joined the trust and they are receiving lessons on their sexual rights and how to save up for a better future.

a�?In my interactions with the commercial sex workers I have noted with concern that most of them dona��t have information on their sexual rights hence they are abused by clients,a�? she said.

So ita��s now back to school for the working girls.

a�?As of now we have two modules. The first one focuses on sexual rights and reproductive health and reproductive rights while the other module focuses on investment, financial literacy, sole trading skills and business management,a�? she said.

Her main objective is to empower the commercial sex workers and not to drive them off their trade.

In separate interviews sex workers expressed joy at the gesture.

a�?Ia��m HIV positive due to that I had lost hope in life. I was living life anyhow because I treated my status as a death sentence. However, after attending these lessons Ia��m now hopeful of a better life. Ia��m cautious of my reproductive health,a�? said Noma (not her real name).

Thembelihle Simango has beenA� working for 12 years and therea��s nothing to show for it.

a�?I have been making money from this trade but I failed to invest. I used to live as if therea��s no tomorrow. But after attending these business lessons I have to change the way I use money and leave a legacy for my children,a�? she said.

Prostitution is illegal in Zimbabwe but policeA� cana��t arrest women on charges of soliciting for sex in the absence of men confirming they were offered the services for a fee. .