Tech-it-easy

Sensitizing systems on sex work for better emergency response.

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Measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Kisumu County, Kenya included closure of bars, hotels, and other social premises, as well as an emphasis on social distancing. This adversely affected the sex worker population that could not find clients at their usual hotspots and had to go to their clients’ homes putting them at a higher risk of violence.

Three sex workers were killed while over 148 reported cases of gender-based violence (GBV) were recorded. The criminalization of sex work meant reduced access to justice and many sex workers were afraid to report incidences of violence at the gender desks at police stations. SRHR and HIV services were hampered putting the lives of those living with HIV at risk. Our partners working in Kisumu mitigated the crisis by:

1. Mental and physical health: Setting up centers to provide psycho-social and physical health support during the lockdown.
2. Responding to violence: Setting up hotlines for GBV and working together with the police and health centers to ensure quick response.

Our partners in Kisumu were successful in sensitizing the police, health and administrative systems on sex work over the years which made conducting the relief work with their support possible.

Artwork by Nancy Chelagat.

Story curated by UHAI-EASHRI.