Advocating
for the rights of
sex workers
Sisonke
We advocate for the decriminalization of consensual adult sex work.
We provide support to sex workers of all diversities.
National sex workers movement
South Africa
Stop human rights violations.
Get equal treatment under the law.
Ensure right and access to healthcare.
18%
Sex worker human rights violations classified as stigma and discrimination.
25%
Sex worker human rights violations classified as physical violence.
32%
Reduction in the risk of HIV infection among sex workers via community empowerment.
A movement for sex workers by human rights activists
Through our work, we amplify the voices of sex workers, create a unified community of sex workers, promote the recognition of human rights, and foster positive change within the community. Sisonke conducts workshops, training, outreach, advocacy, sensitization, and media engagement for the reintegration of sex workers into communities free from stigma and discrimination. Our movement advocates for the decriminalization of sex work.
Build a movement
Creating a common cause to empower sex workers, and promote access to, safety, health, and decriminalization of sex work.
Shape policy
Uniting as a collective to challenge the criminalization of sex work and have the criminalization of sex work repealed.
Boots on the ground
Reduce stigma and improve information, support sex workers with services such as access to health care, the police, and the court system.
Sex work is work
Sex work is the exchange of sexual services for financial gain between consenting adults. It is often pursued by young women, men, or LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Recent blog posts
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Two decades of empowering sex workers
Read more: Two decades of empowering sex workersTwenty years ago, 70 women formed the Sisonke National Sex Workers’ Movement to combat stigma and discrimination. Inspired by Shane…
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Human Rights for Sex Workers
Read more: Human Rights for Sex WorkersHuman rights are universal and inalienable, yet sex workers in South Africa often find themselves excluded from these protections. The criminalization of sex work not…
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2020 National meeting
Read more: 2020 National meetingSisonke National Movement held its 2020 National Meeting bringing together key representatives from the sex worker community. We sincerely appreciate everyone who attended and engaged…
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Get involved with the movement
Help us achieve the decriminalisation of sex work and build a society that is more inclusive and equitable.