By Liapeng Raliengoane
MASERU – In commemoration of the International Sex Workers Day, Sex Workers, Civil Society Organizations and supporters went on a march in Maseru last Thursday.
Speaking at the march, Key Affected Populations Alliance of Lesotho (KAPAL) Executive Director Lepheana Mosooane revealed that International Sex Workers Day is observed annually on June 02 to honour sex workers and recognize their often exploited working conditions. Mosooane revealed that this year marks the first year that this day is commemorated in Lesotho, saying it is a milestone for sex workers. He said the march was lawful as there was a permit granted by the Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS).
Mosooane also disclosed that KAPAL is the first and only registered sex workers organization in Lesotho, whose aim is to work on sex workers’ lack of access to health care, fight for sex workers rights and to fight against violence towards sex workers.
While tabling their challenges, sex workers said they experience a lot of violence from law enforcement Officers, some of their fellow colleagues and clients, peer abuse and rape. They also disclosed that some were forced into this work because of unemployment and poverty among others. They further revealed that amongst them are male and female sex workers.
Meanwhile, People’s Matrix Association Executive Director Tampose Mothopeng said Matrix had attended the event because there are sex worker within their members, being the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex community (LGBTQI) group. He also appealed to the Government of Lesotho and other people of good will to provide disposal bins around town so that used condoms can be properly disposed and not littered all over the town.
One of the sex workers whose names is confidential, expressed gratitude to all those who made this day possible and for an unwavering support from individuals and other Civil Society Organizations.
