Sex Work Pride, 2024

As a Quest-Pro Women’s Foundation, we stand in solidarity with sex workers across the continent and beyond in commemorating Sex Work Pride 2024. This day represents a vital opportunity to celebrate the resilience, courage, and diversity of sex workers, who continue to fight for their rights, dignity, and recognition in the face of widespread discrimination, criminalization, and marginalization.

Sex workers have historically been among the most vulnerable and targeted populations, often facing intersectional oppression based on their gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and profession. In Africa, these realities are compounded by pervasive cultural, legal, and social stigmas. Across many countries, punitive laws continue to criminalize sex work, exposing workers to violence, harassment, and systemic abuses. The ongoing marginalization is even more pronounced for LBTQI sex workers, who often face multiple layers of oppression based on their sexuality and gender identity.

On this occasion, we amplify our call for the decriminalization of sex work across teh African continent. Criminalizing sex work does not only violate the rights of sex workers but also perpetuates cycles of poverty, violence, and exclusion. Decriminalization is a critical first step toward ensuring that sex workers are entitled to the same protections, rights, and freedoms as every other citizen. We envision a future where sex workers have access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities without fear of discrimination or legal consequences.

We also call on governments, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders to address the harmful effects of criminalization. This includes ending police brutality, extortion, and arbitrary arrests. Furthermore, we demand the establishment of legal frameworks that protect the rights of sex workers, particularly those from marginalized communities, including LBTQI individuals. Safe and non-discriminatory access to sexual and reproductive health services, social protection, and legal recourse must be prioritized.

Sex Work Pride is an opportunity to dismantle the stigma attached to sex work, which often silences and shames those in the profession. We affirm that sex work is work, and as such, deserves recognition, respect, and protection under labor laws. The constant dehumanization and exploitation of sex workers must end, and their agency and autonomy must be respected.

The LBTQI sex workers’ community continues to face unique challenges, including transphobia and homophobia, alongside the stigma surrounding their profession. As we commemorate this day, we highlight the need to center the voices of LBTQI sex workers in policy discussions, advocacy, and social movements. Their lived experiences offer crucial insights into the complex realities of navigating both queer identity and sex work in hostile environments.

We believe that the fight for the rights of sex workers is deeply interconnected with the broader struggle for LBTQI rights. Both movements seek to dismantle patriarchy, challenge oppressive systems, and affirm bodily autonomy. We commit to supporting sex workers in their pursuit of justice and equality and to working alongside them as allies in the fight for a more inclusive, equitable Africa.

On Sex Work Pride 2024, we celebrate the courage and tenacity of sex workers across Africa. We honor their contributions to our communities and our movements and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advancing their rights, dignity, and safety. Together, we will continue to push for a world where sex workers, and all marginalized people, can live freely, safely, and with pride.

### #SexWorkIsWork #DecriminalizeSexWork #SexWorkPride2024