Sex workers ‘need to be included in govt relief fund’
The Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) says the national lockdown will have a serious impact on the livelihood of the country’s sex workers.
The organisation’s Mega Lessing says while putting a stop on sex working during the lockdown is the right thing to do, it will have a dire financial impact.
“It is the right thing to do at this point in time, but how are they supposed to have an income during this time to support their children and dependents? We have been asking government to decriminalise sex work so that sex workers can enjoy the benefits of labour rights,” she said.
Sex workers want President Cyril Ramaphosa to include them in government’s relief efforts aimed at those who won’t be able to work during the lockdown.
“Nobody could’ve forseen this (COVID-19) happening. As it happens, the first thing that we knew is that sex work as one of the marginalised occupations will be one of the hardest hit groups.
“All we are asking is that sex workers should be included in the temporary relief fund.”