Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
WOMEN’s rights organisations and community leaders have called for stronger measures to protect children from sexual exploitation and to safeguard the rights and dignity of adult sex workers.
This was said during a belated commemoration of International Pride Day for Marginalised groups held on Thursday at PaBooster, Overspill in Epworth, where sex workers, Government representatives, law enforcement and community members gathered to discuss issues affecting marginalised groups.
The commemoration also featured a one-stop-shop setup, where participants accessed free HIV testing and counselling services, joined discussions on business ideas, and received information on empowerment initiatives.
Beyond the serious conversations, the event also offered moments of relaxation and joy, with participants taking to the dance floor to celebrate resilience and solidarity through music.
Springs of Life Zimbabwe (SLZ) director Precious Msindo told the gathering that while the day symbolised resilience and pride, it was also “a clarion call for urgent action.”
“We must prioritise the protection of children under 18 from exploitation, which we unequivocally condemn as child abuse and child exploitation,” she said.
“Mwene webhawa ngaasungwe (bar owners who allow children in their outlets must be arrested) for allowing patrons under 18.”
Epworth Community Development coordinator in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ms Dangaiso Shelly, applauded sex workers who have embraced alternative income-generating projects such as sewing and broiler rearing.
She stressed the need to shield underage girls from exploitation.
“We are encouraged by sex workers who are now engaging in small businesses. But equally, we must make sure that underage girls are not drawn into sex work. Protecting them is a shared responsibility,” she said.
Health officials also echoed the importance of collaboration. Perpecular Mutandwa, a nurse at Overspill Clinic, said outreach work with sex worker-led groups had been invaluable.
“After conscientization, marginalised groups like sex workers are helping us ensure our outreach programmes are successful. Even during the upcoming measles outreach, these collaborations will help us reach everyone,” she said.
From the legal fraternity, Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA) lawyer Hilda Mahomucha reminded participants that both child exploitation and violence against adult sex workers are punishable crimes.
“Being involved in sexual activities with underage girls is a crime. There have been cases of people who think sex workers have no rights,” she said.
“Yet they are humans and are protected by the same law. Raping even an adult sex worker is a crime.”
Sex workers themselves also shared testimonies of change.
Grace Tembo, a sex worker in Epworth, said training workshops had transformed relations with the community.
“Through workshops held by Springs of Life Zimbabwe, NAC and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, most sex workers have now learnt how to live in harmony with the community. No more harbouring criminals, no more violence. In fact, most small businesses in Booster, once known for the wrong reasons, are now owned by sex workers,” she said.
