Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for Women of Dignity Alliance (WODA), Ophelia Allotey, has described misconceptions or myth claims that female sex workers are responsible for the spread of diseases.
She argued that this claim and several others are part of the ways female sex workers are demonised by society.
She disclosed this at a training workshop organised by WODA for selected journalists on the decriminalisation of sex work in Ghana, addressing stigma, discrimination, and human rights issues female sex workers face.
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.
Ohelia Allotey, in demystifying the misconception, explained that sex workers undergo regular health check-ups, making them informed about their status.
She also stated that the claim that sex work is inherently exploitative is false, stating that while exploitation can occur in any industry, it is not inherent in sex work.
The advocate and trainer stated that several sex workers advocate for their fundamental rights and work in safe, consensual environments, and that decriminalisation can help reduce exploitation by providing legal safeguards.
She also refuted claims that decriminalising sex work will increase crime, pointing out that several countries that have taken the bold step of decriminalising sex work have seen lower crime rates and violence, particularly against female sex workers.
‘’Decriminalising sex work allows for better regulation and protection, creating safer environments for sex workers.’’
Ophelia Allotey went on to say that while some sex workers want to leave the industry, others prefer to stay, and it is critical to respect their autonomy and support those who want to leave without assuming that everyone wants to leave.
The organisation wants 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
