Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
A feminist-led organisation grounded in rights and justice is preparing to premiere the documentary capturing the lived experiences of sex workers shedding light on deep-seated discrimination, human rights violations, and powerful stories of resistance and healing.
Titled “Unheard, Unseen, Unbroken”: A Bold Call for Justice Through the Lens of Sex Workers’ Realities, the documentary is a brainchild of Women Excel Trust (WET).
Produced under the Health Equity, Research, and Access in Southern Africa (HERASIA) project currently being implemented in South Africa (Pretoria and Johannesburg) the documentary is a bold and timely intervention.
HERASIA seeks to bridge the gap between marginalised realities and policy reform through research, advocacy, and inclusive dialogue.
The documentary, which is not fiction, covers the plight of women from Zimbabwe’s urban peripheries, places like Epworth, Bindura, and Zvishavane.
It will be officially launched in two weeks’ time.
In an interview, WET, Executive Director Advocate Rodney Mutombo said, it is not a fiction-based documentary.
He says this dialogue is not just another event on the calendar, it is a pivotal moment for reshaping regional conversations on health equity and access.
“The National Policy Dialogue is our collective checkpoint a space to reflect, confront policy gaps, and align on transformative actions.
“This documentary will serve as a powerful catalyst in these discussions.
“We are not just advocating, we are showing the evidence, and centering the realities of sex workers as a call to action.
“This is not just a project; it’s a movement for dignity, equity, and justice in Southern Africa.”
Mutombo said, ‘Unheard, Unseen, Unbroken is not just a film but it is an act of resistance.
“A mirror held up to society. A spotlight on injustice. And for women like Rudo, it’s a step closer to being seen, heard, and protected.
“The documentary is not fiction, but it is raw truth. Real women from Zimbabwe’s urban peripheries, places like Epworth, Bindura, and Zvishavane, speak directly to the camera and to the nation.
“Their stories are striking in their simplicity and heartbreaking in their familiarity.
“The courage to share is not taken for granted. It’s what makes this project human, urgent, and unforgettable.”
One of the participants, Rudo, says being part of the documentary was more than just telling her story, it was about reclaiming her voice.
“I have been beaten, chased by police, and denied help at clinics just because I am a sex worker.
“But when I was asked to speak in this film, I felt like maybe, just maybe, someone out there will understand. Maybe change will finally come.”
With sex workers at the centre of its design, the project prioritises those often left out of policy conversations, positioning them as agents of change, not passive beneficiaries.
“Our role has been to listen first and create safe spaces for expression.
“This documentary was not scripted.
“It was lived. It is not about sensationalism, it’s about truth-telling, and about ensuring that sex workers’ experiences are documented as part of our collective responsibility to dismantle stigma and fight for equity,” said one of the Programmes Officers at Women Excel Trust.
As the documentary is finalised, Women Excel Trust is preparing to host a National Policy Dialogue at the end of the month.
The convening will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, health service providers, academics, civil society organisations, and community leaders.
