NKOKO IJU AFRICA CBO

Who do you work with?

We work primarily with young sex workers (18-24 years), teen-led households, teenage mothers, and persons with disabilities. We also engage with clients, third parties, families, partners and community members to create supportive environments.

How are sex workers involved in your organisation?

Sex workers constitute 98% of our decision-making body and spokespeople. They serve as peer educators, program coordinators, and board members. Our programming is designed and implemented with their direct leadership and participation.

Which of NSWP priority areas does your organisation work on?
Oppose the criminalisation and other legal oppression of sex work and support its recognition as work
Critique the trafficking paradigm that conflates representations of sex work, migration, and mobility
Advocate for universal access to health services, including primary health care, HIV and sexual and reproductive health services
Speak out about violence against sex workers, including violence from police, institutions, clients, and intimate partners, while challenging the myth that sex work is inherently gender-based violence
Oppose human rights abuses, including coercive programming, mandatory testing, raids and forced rehabilitation
Challenge stigma and discrimination against sex workers, their families and partners, and others involved in sex work
Advocate for the economic empowerment and social inclusion of sex workers as sex workers
What are the two main challenges that the sex workers you work with face

Criminalization and Violence: Young sex workers face criminalization, stigma, and multiple forms of violence including gender-based violence, police harassment, and client violence, limiting their access to justice and essential services.Economic Vulnerability and Health Access: Limited economic opportunities drive engagement in sex work under unsafe conditions, while discrimination in healthcare settings prevents access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services.

Describe other areas of your work

We provide comprehensive support including mental health and psychosocial services, skills development and economic empowerment programs, violence prevention and response, youth leadership development, and policy advocacy for systemic change.

Region
Country
Kenya