sex work is criminalized in South Africa, and sex workers face routine harassment, intimidation, and even abuse from police

Open Society Foundations

Dear Friends,

Sex work is criminalized in South Africa, and sex workers face routine harassment, intimidation, and even abuse from police.

One organization is helping them gain the legal skills they need to fight back.

Please take a moment to view a photo essay about the Women’s Legal Centre, a grantee of the Open Society Foundations based in South Africa that provides legal services by and for sex workers.

Legal Help for Sex Workers

The benefits of legal advice that comes from members of the community itself are clear. “We understand the difficulties and obstacles that sex workers encounter on a daily basis,” says Anita, a paralegal. “We personally know how violent police can be towards sex workers, so we can offer advice.”

Male, female, and transgender sex workers receive legal information and advice, and assistance with court hearings, bail applications, and filing complaints about police abuse.

“My favorite part is motivating and helping sex workers to contest their fines for something that we believe is work—not crime,” another paralegal, Ncumisa, explains.

Paralegals play a vital role in supporting those who left outside the protections of the law. They can help make human rights real.

See for yourself the difference that the Women’s Legal Centre makes.

Thanks for your support,

Jonathan Birchall
Senior Communications Officer

P.S. If you believe that sex workers—that all people—should have access to the power of law regardless of who they are, please spread this message on Facebook and Twitter.

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