Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
SEX workers have called for legal reforms and greater protection from violence and harassment as community-based organisations work with local government clinics and other service providers to improve access to HIV testing, PrEP and other health services.
The call was made during belated International Sex Workers’ Pride Day commemorations held at paBooster in Overspill, Epworth, where participants accessed HIV testing, PrEP, health screening and health information.
The outreach formed part of broader efforts involving sex worker-led organisations, local health facilities and service providers to take services closer to communities that can face barriers when accessing conventional healthcare.
Speaking at the event, Springs of Life Zimbabwe programmes coordinator Ms Precious Msindo said access to healthcare needed to be accompanied by measures to address violence and discrimination against sex workers.
“Today, we gather under a powerful and unwavering truth: No shame, no silence, no stigma,” Msindo said.
She said the occasion was “not just a date on the calendar”, but a celebration of the resilience, strength and humanity of sex workers.
“Our lives, our health, and our rights are non-negotiable,” she said.
Msindo said sex workers were accessing services including PrEP, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and specialised clinical care through health service providers, but argued that healthcare interventions alone could not address the risks they face.
“Healthcare access alone does not stop violence.
“The painful truth is that despite medical advancements, many in our community are still being victimised, beaten, extorted, and abused with impunity,” she said.
She called for an end to physical abuse and police harassment, as well as changes to laws that she said expose sex workers to violence.
“We demand an end to physical abuse, police harassment, and the laws that expose us to violence,” Msindo said.
Sex worker and community advocate Hazel Magadu said working with health providers while bringing services closer to sex workers could help address concerns around stigma.
Pictures: Theseus Mauruki Shambare
“Pride is not just about celebrating who we are; it is about keeping each other alive, healthy, and informed,” Magadu said.
She said some sex workers were reluctant to visit formal health facilities because of fears of discrimination.
“Having HIV testing, PrEP access, and health screenings right here at the venue removes the barrier of clinic-based stigma,” Magadu said.
“Many of us are afraid to visit formal health facilities because of discrimination from healthcare workers.”
Magadu said community-based outreach could help connect sex workers with testing, prevention and treatment services while maintaining links with formal healthcare providers.
“Bringing friendly, confidential testing directly to where sex workers feel safe means people can know their status without fear or judgment,” she said.
“Today, we took control of both our dignity and our health.”
The outreach was partly supported through contributions from sex workers, who pooled funds towards the commemorations and associated activities.
The gathering also featured music, dancing and a braai, combining the celebrations with health outreach and advocacy.
Msindo said stigma remained a concern beyond healthcare, arguing that it could prevent sex workers from seeking justice and care.
“Stigma isolates us, fuels discrimination, and keeps sex workers from seeking justice and care,” she said.
She said the organisation would continue working with partners while advocating for greater safety and dignity.
“Our work will not be complete until every sex worker in Zimbabwe can live and work free from fear, violence, and social judgment,” Msindo said.
The commemorations ended with a call for continued advocacy under the message: “No shame. No silence. No stigma.”
Bongani Ndlovu