The Women of Dignity Alliance, an organisation that empowers vulnerable women through various initiatives, has organised a training for selected journalists.
The training was organised with the aim to educate the media on the importance of decriminalising sex work in Ghana, understanding the social, legal, and human rights faced by female sex workers, and developing a respectful and supportive app towards them.
The objectives of the training were to recognise the stigma and discrimination female sex workers face, understand the human rights violations affecting female sex workers (human rights and health), understand the safety and security issues for female sex workers (dealings with the police), learn the benefits of decriminalising sex work and equip journalists with strategies to address these issues.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the organisation, Ophelia Allotey, the lead trainer, explained that evidence from countries that have decriminalised sex work shows that it can lead to reduced violence and crime and allows for better regulation and protection, creating safer environments for sex workers and the community.
The training highlighted key areas such as myths and misconceptions surrounding sex work .
While some have held the perception that sex workers are responsible for spreading diseases, the reality is that sex workers practice safer sex and undergo regular health check-ups, adding that stigma and criminalisation can hinder access to healthcare, but decriminalisation can improve health outcomes by promoting safety practices and access to medical services.
Ophelia Allotey explained that, while some claim that all sex workers want to leave the industry, others choose to stay; therefore, it was critical to respect their autonomy and provide support for those who wish to leave, rather than assuming that all sex workers want to leave.
The trainer explains that sex workers are frequently marginalised and ostracised by society due to cultural and religious beliefs that regard sex work as immoral. The stigma can lead to social isolation, making it difficult for sex workers to access support networks and services, including rent.
She also lamented that sex workers are at high risk of physical and sexual violence from clients, law enforcement, and even intimate partners, with many cases of violence going unreported due to fear of legal repercussions and lack of trust in the police.
“Stigma and discrimination hinder sex workers’ access to healthcare services, leading to higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Misconceptions about HIV transmission and inadequate health education further exacerbate these health risks.”
The constant fear of violence, arrest, and social ostracisation can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Prostitution is illegal in Ghana, which means sex workers operate in a criminalised environment. This legal status exposes them to harassment, arrest, and extortion by law enforcement officers.”
Media should avoid portraying FSW as societal criminals
Touching on a female sex worker’s perception of the media, she stated that media coverage frequently perpetuates stereotypes, portraying sex workers as societal criminals, which can reinforce societal biases. This portrayal often overlooks the complexities of their lives and the systemic issues they face, such as violence and discrimination. Some researchers argue that media could play a transformative role by highlighting the resilience and rights of sex workers, rather than sensationalising their experiences.”
Explaining further on the organisation’s call for the decriminalisation, she said several countries have made significant gains by doing that, stressing that their call is not for legalisation but for it to be removed from our criminal books.
“Decriminalisation provides sex workers with legal protections against violence, exploitation, and abuse. It enables sex workers to report crimes to authorities without fear of arrest or discrimination. It will also improve access to healthcare services for sex workers, reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections and promoting overall wellbeing. It allows for the establishment of safer working conditions and better regulations.”
According to her, this would also reduce stigma and discrimination, allowing sex workers to access social services, education, and alternative employment opportunities while contributing to economic stability and empowerment for sex workers.
“It aligns with international human rights standards by respecting the consensual nature of sex work and protecting workers rights.
She also gave examples of countries that have successfully decriminalised sex work, such as New Zealand and Australia, while establishing health and safety standards and promoting health and safety outcomes for sex workers.
Additionally, decriminalising sex work can lead to a more just and equitable society that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals and lead to better mental health outcomes for sex workers and a more inclusive society that respects the rights of all individuals.
We need media support towards advocacy
The organisation, she added, is seeking advocacy support and practical strategies with the media in championing the decriminalisation of sex work.
To achieve this, she called on the media to raise awareness by educating the people about issues sex workers face, shift the narratives by challenging stigmatisation portrayals and promote more nuanced understanding.
WODA is also appealing to the media to influence policy by using media coverage to pressure lawmakers and policymakers, amplify the voices of sex workers by giving them the platform to share their experiences and perspectives without any prejudice and build support by mobilising public opinion and garnering support for decriminalisation.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
