Sex workers hold procession, demand respect for their rights

Kakamega, Kenya: More than 400 commercial sex workers on Wednesday convened in Busia town to celebrate International Day to End Violence against Sex Workers with calls on the Government to protect their interests.

The group which held a peaceful procession in the town said they, just like all other workers, have rights that need to be protected and respected.

Busia Survivors Group Programme officer Carolyne Kemunto asked the county government to set aside resources to help the more than 3,000 working at several trading centres in the county.

Ms Kemunto said sex workers in the border town are vulnerable to contracting sexually transmitted diseases because of cross-border activities.

RESTORE SANITY

"It is difficult to monitor activities of all these workers because of the extended market. This is why we want the county government to help us establish a point where all sex workers can access vital services like counselling and treatment," she said.

The programme officer said her organisation has identified various hot spots in the town where the sex workers source for clients adding that this has made it easier for them to reach these workers and has effectively brought sanity to the trade.

"My body is my choice and therefore deserves to be treated with dignity," Kemunto said, adding that the group looks out for sex workers' well-being.

Formed in 1999, Survivor's Foundation has trained more than 16 paralegals who teach commercial sex workers on the importance of taking care of themselves and using condoms to avoid being infected with HIV.