Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
Herald Reporter
LAWMAKERS have joined health experts and civil society groups in calling for Zimbabwe’s legal framework to be harmonised with national health policies, arguing that criminalisation of sex work is undermining the country’s HIV and Aids response.
This emerged at a two-day needs assessment dialogue in Masvingo and Epworth, where Members of Parliament from the Health and Public Service Committee, working with Springs of Life Zimbabwe and other stakeholders, engaged communities — including
marginalised groups — to strengthen efforts towards inclusive access to health care.
Beitbridge West MP Thusani Ndou said the debate should balance morality with human rights.
“Our people hold strong cultural and religious views, but public health and dignity must also be safeguarded,” he said.
“Criminalisation has not worked. If we continue this way, we are bound to fail.”
Emakhandeni-Luveve legislator Discent Bajila said while health services had become more inclusive, the justice system remained discriminatory.
“In hospitals, sex workers and people living with HIV are now receiving care without the stigma we used to see. That is commendable,” said Bajila.
“But the contradiction is that in the justice system, sex workers are still arrested while clients walk free. Either both must face the law or none at all. We need consistency.”
Ruwa legislator and Health Portfolio Committee member Thomas Muwodzeri echoed the call for policy alignment.
“Government already recognises sex workers as a key population in HIV programming, yet the law continues to punish them,” said Muwodzeri.
“This contradiction weakens our response. If we are serious about achieving the 2030 health goals, the law must stop being a barrier.”
Former Health Portfolio Committee chairperson Dr Ruth Labode argued that criminalisation of sex work was outdated and harmful.
“Sex work has always existed in our culture, even our grandparents acknowledged it. To criminalise it today only fuels corruption and dents Zimbabwe’s image,” said Dr Labode.
“Religious leaders may call it a spirit, but you cannot criminalise a spirit. My position is clear – hashtag decriminalise sex work.”
SLZ programmes coordinator Precious Msindo said the consultations aimed to ensure the voices of sex workers informed national decision-making.
“For too long, sex workers have been spoken about but not spoken with. Their safety and dignity must be central to any law reform,” said Msindo.
“They are mothers, breadwinners and key partners in HIV prevention. We need to protect them, not punish them.”
Pumula legislator Sichelesile Mahlangu said the dialogue showed the importance of listening to marginalised communities.
“We cannot legislate in isolation. Sex workers are part of our communities and deserve fair treatment,” she said.
Masvingo Proportional Representation MP Tendeukai Matara warned against selective enforcement.
“When the law targets only sex workers and ignores clients, it becomes unjust. Parliament must address that imbalance,” said Matara.
Hwange Central legislator Daniel Molokele said decisions should be evidence-based.
“Research globally shows that decriminalisation improves health outcomes and reduces exploitation. Zimbabwe must follow science, not stigma,” he said.
Participants agreed that aligning health policies with the legal framework would help Zimbabwe achieve its 2030 health targets while reducing discrimination against marginalised groups.
dyton mupawaenda