Springs of Life Zimbabwe

Who do you work with?

Our primary partners are female sex workers (FSW) but the organization has spread its wings to accommodate all sex workers in their diversity.

How are sex workers involved in your organisation?

It is a sex worker-led organization so all decisions are done by sex workers through consulting all sex workers at different levels. 

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
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 - This law has become thorns in the flesh of sex workers as it has triggered sexual and physical violence, rape , extortion and unlawful arrests of sex workers  2.  Stigma and discrimination - This has caused barriers to accessing quality health services by sex workers. Stigma and discrimination in communities has contributed to social exclusion which has triggered mental health issues among sex workers. Many are finding solace in drug abuse

Describe other areas of your work

Advocacy - Advocating for uninterrupted access to quality health services by sex workers through non-confrontational advocacy and stakeholders' engagement. We  are training sex workers to be paralegals so that they understand legal procedures and understanding their rights. Lobbying for policy reforms so that policies are appropriate. We are also involved in movement building creating safer spaces for sex workers as preparatory for decriminalization. 

Region
Country
Zimbabwe