Every year on 3 March, the world marks the International Sex Workers' Rights Day. This is a day set aside to recognize the rights of sex workers and to call for an end to the human rights abuses they face. In Liberia, just like in many other sub-Saharan African countries, sex workers face numerous challenges that not only infringe on their rights, but also affect their physical, emotional, mental, and psychological well-being. They also face stigma, discrimination, and limited access to essential services.
In this article, we shed light on the significant strides made by IPPF’s Collaborative Partner in Liberia -Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI) to empower sex workers through comprehensive healthcare and welfare programs.
Addressing Physical Health Requirements
One of the most significant obstacles that sex workers often face are those pertaining to their access to healthcare services. These include lack of transport money to health facilities, unaffordability of the services, and stigma from health workers. To address these challenges, CHI has launched mobile clinics that serve approximately 5,000 individuals annually across various communities in Liberia. These clinics, operated by professionally trained healthcare workers, provide essential services such as:
• General health examinations, reaching 3,500 sex workers annually
• Sexual and reproductive health care, including contraceptive distribution and STI screenings
• Targeted screenings for common health issues, benefiting over 2,000 individuals each year
By providing these services in a non-judgmental environment, CHI ensures that sex workers receive the care they need without fear of discrimination. Additionally, CHI developed partnerships with 15 local health facilities to facilitate seamless referrals and continuity of care.
Mental Health: A Pillar of Support
Some sex workers report feelings of anxiety, stress, sadness, low self-esteem, and feelings of depression due to the violence and discrimination they endure as a result of their work.. Recognizing the mental health challenges faced by sex workers, CHI developed comprehensive support programs that include:
• Professional psychological counseling services, with over 1,200 sessions conducted annually
• Peer support networks that connect more than 500 sex workers, fostering a sense of community and belonging
• Workshops on stigma reduction and mental health awareness, attended by over 800 individuals each year
These initiatives empower sex workers to prioritize their mental well-being and build resilience against the challenges they face.
Comprehensive Services for Holistic Empowerment
Beyond healthcare, CHI provides a range of support services to enhance the quality of life for sex workers, including:
• Legal aid services, assisting over 300 individuals annually with legal challenges
• Specialized training programs have equipped 250 sex workers with skills for alternative employment.
• Safe spaces for community gatherings, attended by over 1,000 sex workers annually, promoting learning and self-expression.
These services enhance the long-term empowerment and independence of sex workers, allowing them to step into a different direction if they wish to do so.
Community-Centered HIV Prevention and Care
CHI’s community-centered approach to HIV prevention and care has been crucial in lowering the prevalence of HIV among sex workers. Key initiatives include:
• Awareness campaigns that have reached over 4,500 individuals with information on HIV prevention, testing, and treatment
• SRHR health services that enable access to HIV testing for over 2,000 sex workers each year.
• Collaboration with healthcare providers to ensure prompt and effective treatment for individuals who test positive, with ongoing support for over 300 individuals managing their health
By addressing the multifaceted needs of sex workers, CHI aims to foster an inclusive environment that promotes health, dignity, and empowerment for this marginalized community. The organization’s integrated approach serves as a model for organizations aiming to create meaningful change in the lives of sex workers. By comprehensively addressing physical health, mental health, psychosocial support, and HIV treatment, CHI not only improves the well-being of sex workers but also transforms societal attitudes and reduces discrimination.
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when
country
Liberia
region
Africa
Related Member Association
Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI)
