serving young sex workers ruth mwaiwao kundecha , hiv officer

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Serving young sex workers Ruth Mwaiwao Kundecha,

HIV Officer

Family Planning Association of MalawiPrivate Bag B424Capital CityLILONGWE 3

Tel: 01773915email: fpam@fpamalawi.org

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A brief background I am 17, a sex worker, a mother of 7 months old baby. My mother separated with my father when I was young

and I stayed with my father’s family until he died. I don’t know where my mother is. I could not continue with

school because the family could not support me. My friends told me I can earn a living at a nearby township by selling sex. I tried it, I thought for once its working now it is 2 years since. I make enough money for me and my baby. In the last year I have slept in a cell on three occasions, why? The police cannot explain to me- sex work is illegal. But where is it written? Why demanding sex from me as a bribe if it is truly illegal?

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Why Chigwilizano? Chigwilizano is home to 211 SW, located 7 km

west of Lilongwe City. Chigwilizano lies at the end of 2 well known

locations of Likuni and Chinsapo. The population surrounding these 2 townships is

10,727 The area is served by a catholic hospital where

condoms and modern methods of contraception are not provided.

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Activities

peer education programmes

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Activities Outreach clinics for STI treatment, VCT, FP

and condom distribution Safer sex campaigns condom promotion campaigns in the bars

and other entertainment places

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Activities Training and

provision of capital for income generating activities like tailoring, hairdressing and restaurant

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Challenges Increasing cases of lock and vagabond as

they patronise the entertainment units hence difficult for them to access SRH services

Weak advocacy efforts for SW Increasing incidence of sexual violence by

the clients which goes unnoticed where the law does not protect SW.

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Remember………… I'm a mother whatever income I get supports my

children get a better life Am an orphan I have a life to live I have my rights

WHY? Lock me up Criminalise my HIV status Why me?