BREAKING THE STIGMA: SEX WORKERS SPEAK OUT ON CHALLENGES AND EMPOWERMENT

By Tshepo Motholo

• Sex workers spoke out about the hardships and stigma they face during an awareness campaign on social and behavioural change run by the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
• The event, held in partnership with Hands of Hope and Vaal Community in Action, provided a platform for sex workers to share their experiences.
• It is through programmes like these that the department amplifies the voices of marginalised groups, promoting education, support, and behavioural change in communities.

In a bid to challenge stigma and foster social change, the Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted an awareness campaign on social behavioural change and the de-stigmatisation of sex workers at the Vereeniging Civic Theatre on 14 March 2025.

The event, held in partnership with Hands of Hope and Vaal Community in Action, provided a platform for sex workers to share their experiences, highlighting the hardships they endure and the support they need.

A story of survival and strength

Thando Kumalo*, who has been in sex work for 19 years, shared how poverty and the need to provide for her son led her down this path.

“We work in a safe environment because we have rented rooms and strict security measures in place,” she explained.

Despite these precautions, she noted the dangers sex workers face daily, including clients who refuse to pay and the stigma from society.

The impact of stigma

Kumalo revealed that the judgment and discrimination extended beyond her, affecting her family. “My child was bullied at school because of my work. He ended up fighting with other children,” she shared.

Such experiences highlight the far-reaching effects of societal stigma, reinforcing the need for public awareness and education.

Support and empowerment

Kumalo expressed her gratitude to the Gauteng Department of Social Development for partnering with non-profit organisations to address some of their challenges.

“We learned a lot, and we put safety measures in place for every job we do,” she said.

Despite the misconceptions and judgment, they face, she emphasised the importance of being able to provide for their families.

“People judge us, but at least we can put food on the table for our loved ones,” she concluded.

Through programmes like these, the Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to amplify the voices of marginalised groups, promoting education, support, and behavioural change in communities.

*not her real name