The Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) will host the first ever Provincial Commercial Sex Workers Dialogue, having identified a need to introduce a platform to discuss challenges pertinent to this sector of society. This is part of GPL’s efforts to respond to the plight of Commercial Sex Workers in Gauteng, as well as exploring interventions to ensure the protection of their human rights.
As a custodian of Public Participation in the Province, GPL observed the exclusion of Commercial Sex Workers from general society and the violation of their human rights due to the work they do. And although sex work is still illegal in South Africa, it cannot be ignored that no amount of policing, religious prohibition or moral condemnation has succeeded in eradicating sex work.
In Gauteng, prostitution is widespread and the providers of commercial sex often state poverty as reasons for remaining in the industry, despite the risks and challenges associated with the work. GPL being a representative of the people resolved to intervene as providers of commercial sex work form part of Gauteng citizenry that deserve to enjoy the full benefits of democracy.
Through the Dialogue, GPL aims to address the consequences, risks, and challenges of Commercial Sex Work in Gauteng which include: Violence including police assaults, rape, extortion, demands for sex or money as bribes; working conditions; barriers to safer sex; stigma and health care; and the government policy environment regarding commercial sex work. During the Dialogue, various subject experts will facilitate discussions on the following topics:
- GPL as a mouthpiece for the People of Gauteng - offering support to marginalised groups;
- How I entered the industry? A personal account of practicing sex workers;
- Criminalise or Decriminalise? Legal Reform Discourses and Effects on Sex Workers both Nationally and Provincially;
- Provision of Health Services to Sex Workers in Hillbrow: A case study of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WRHI);
- Exiting the commercial sex work industry; and
- Implementation of National Strategic Plan for HIV Prevention, Care for Sex Workers in Gauteng Province.
The Dialogue will be convened as follows:
Date: Monday, 17 November 2014
Time: 10h00
Venue: Johannesburg City Hall; Cnr. City Hall & President Street, JHB
To ensure meaningful participation by this sector, GPL has partnered with several organisations that provide support to and advocate for the rights of Commercial Sex Workers. SWEAT; Nqobile Women’s Development; Mothusimpilo Aids Project; Women’s Legal Centre; Sisonke Sex Workers movement; the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WRHI); the Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU); Partners in Sexual Health; Commission for Gender Equality; and South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC).
For more information or interview queries please contact: Ms Pfano Bulasigobo on: 011 498 6381 / 060 533 1982 e-mail: PBulasigobo@gpl.gov.za or Ms Khazi Sithole on: 011 498 5777 or 060 533 2122; e-mail: KSithole@gpl.gov.za
Members of the media should note the following:
No cameras will be allowed at the venue;
All attendees will be required to sign legal indemnity forms to protect the identity of participants and ensure their anonymity; and
Journalists should present a press card and/or id upon registration.
