Zimbabwean senators have appealed to the government to provide financial support, loans, and land to sex workers, emphasizing that their harsh living conditions are putting children at serious risk.
The call came during debates on the HIV/AIDS Committee’s report about access to HIV/AIDS and sexual reproductive health services for sex workers, presented by Portfolio Committee chairperson Angeline Tongogara. She shared that consultations nationwide revealed many sex workers struggle to secure suitable housing for their families.
“Most sex workers asked for residential stands or startup capital because they cannot afford to buy land. They live in overcrowded single rooms, sometimes dividing one room into four compartments shared with their children and clients,” Tongogara explained.
The senators visited multiple sites, including Forbes Border Post, Ngundu, Beitbridge, and Harare, to meet with sex workers. Ishmael Zhou noted that many parliamentarians were surprised to learn that sex work is considered a profession and that sex workers have their own slang and networks.
Zhou highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by sex workers amid Zimbabwe’s HIV/AIDS crisis, with some planning their wills out of fear of an early death. They also called for reduced border tariffs, particularly at Beitbridge, to ease the economic burden on haulage trucks.
Sex workers reportedly rely on networks across the country and neighboring countries to share information about their trade, with more clients usually arriving at month-end. Despite this, their income barely covers rent, leaving them struggling to afford basic needs.
Information Communication Technology Deputy Minister, Dingimuzi Phuti shared a troubling account of a sex worker whose daughter was sexually assaulted while she was away attending a client, underscoring the risk children face in these environments.
The senators are pushing for increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs, urging support for organizations like the National AIDS Council to better assist sex workers. Tapfumanei Muzoda called for faster rollout of both preventative and treatment injections to help control HIV transmission.
Senator Sesel Zvidzai stressed the need to recognize sex workers’ rights under Zimbabwe’s Constitution, advocating for policies that protect them from stigma and exclusion.
However, Omega Sipani-Hungwe strongly opposed sex work, labeling it immoral and against African cultural values. She emphasized empowering women through vocational skills and entrepreneurship as the preferred approach.
The debate highlights the complex issues surrounding sex work in Zimbabwe, balancing human rights, public health, and cultural values.
