Zimbabwe to remove law which criminalizes prostitution…Sex workers will now do theiry jobs free from arrests
CALLS for the decriminalisation of sex work and
equal access to health services took centre stage
during a two-day needs assessment engagement
organised by Springs of Life Zimbabwe (SLZ) in
Masvingo and Epworth.
The dialogue brought together marginalised
groups, including sex workers and legislators
from Parliament’s Health and Public Service
committees to deliberate on ending
discrimination in the country’s health system
and social life.
Under Zimbabwean law – specifcally Chapter V,
Section 81 of the Criminal Law (Codification and
Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) – publicly soliciting
another person for the purposes of prostitution’
is an offence punishable by a fine up to level five
or imprisonment for up to six months, a
provision which indirectly criminalises sex
work by penalising those who seek clients in
public or through publicity.
Emakhandeni-Luveve legislator and public
health activist Discent Bajila said progress had
been made in eliminating stigma in health
institutions, but justice and legal systems still
lag behind.
“I was very happy to note that treatment in the
public health sector is no longer discriminatory.
Sex workers and people living with HIV are
saying the stigma they once faced has largely
gone” said Bajila.
“What remains is for the justice system to act
fairly. We cannot continue seeing sex workers
arrested for selling while buyers walk free.
Either both sides face the law or none at all. It
must not be discriminatory”
Former Health Portfolio Committee chairperson
Dr Ruth Labode, now a consultant with
international health organisations, said cultural
and religious attitudes had long acknowledged
sex work, making criminalisation contradictory
and harmful.
“Sex work has always existed in our culture
even our grandparents spoke about it. Yet today
we criminalise it in ways that fuel corruption
and dent Zimbabwe’s image”‘ said Dr Labode.
“Religious leaders may call it a spirit or a demon,
but you cannot criminalise a spirit. What we
must do is respect sex workers as part of the key
population in the fight against HIV. If they are
denied services because of fear of arrest,
Zimbabwe will not meet its 2030 health targets.
My call is simple – hashtag decriminalise sex
work.”
SLZ Programmes Coordinator Precious Msindo
said the organisation was working to ensure sex
workers’ voices shaped national policy.
“For too long, sex workers have been spoken
about but not spoken with. This dialogue shows
that Parliament is ready to listen” said Msindo.
“Our main concern is safety and dignity. Sex
workers face harassment, arrests and stigma, yet
they play a critical role in HIV prevention and
community health. We want laws that protect
them, not punish them.”
Pumula legislator Sichelesile Mahlangu said the
dialogue was important in amplifying
marginalised voices.
“We cannot legislate without hearing directly
from those affected. Sex workers are citizens,
mothers and breadwinners. They deserve to be
heard, not criminalised”‘ she said.
“The law must apply equally. Selective
enforcement only worsens social injustice.
Parliament must confront this issue honestly.”
Beitbridge West legislator Thusani Ndou
stressed that comnmunities expect leadership to
find solutions that protect both morality and
human rights.
“Yes, our communities hold strong moral views,
but as lawmakers we must also ensure public
health and dignity for all citizens.
Criminalisation has not worked and it is time to
openly discuss alternatives’ said Ndou.
Hwange Central MP Daniel Molokele urged
evidence-based policymaking.
“We should not be guided by stigma or myths.
Research shows that decriminalisation
improves health outcomes and reduces
exploitation. Zimbabwe must follow science and
best practice”‘ said Molokele.
The engagement concluded that eliminating
discrimination in health care and reforming
laws around sex work would strengthen
Zimbabwe’s HIV response and ensure
marginalised communities are not left behind in
national health targets.
