VEREENIGING. – Stigma and discrimination are among some of the reasons why many HIV positive people stop taking their treatment. This was revealed Puseletso Sekobolo during the recent Community and sex worker’s dialogue.

The dialogue organised by Tshimoloho Development Care and Support,was carried out at the Vereeniging Civic Hall on December 5. The event was supported by Agape.
The meeting was open to both male and female members of the community as well as sex workers.

Speaking to Sekobolo, she revealed that the objective of the dialogue is to educate members of the community that sex workers are part and parcel of the community. The dialogue also seeked to improve the way in which members of the community and sex workers staying in the same vicinity relate with one other.

“Sex workers are human beings and deserve to be treated as such.”

The dialogue takes place during 16 days of activism against Gender-based Violence. The event was facilitated by various speakers including Wrd 15 Councilor Prudence Hlanyane and SAPS GBV Coordinator Masamuele Maine.

Maine answered questions about various forms of abuse and how to handle different situations using the law. She urged women not to keep quiet while in abusive relationships, but rather open cases.

Maine touched on how children are often damaged as a resultof staying in homes that are fueled with domestic violence. She urged women to put their kids first and not let them experience incidents that will harm their mental wellbeing.

Pearl Xakoshe, for Human Rights Advocacy highlighted the plight of the LGBTQI, saying that they often experience discrimination even when they go to the police station to open cases.

Site coordinator for the sex worker program said it is important for the community and sex workers to work hand in hand. The community was given a chance to voice out some of their concerns which were addressed by panelists.

Sekobolo thanked Captain Lucky Moleko from the Family violence, Child protection and Sexual offences unit (FCS) in sebokeng for always supporting initiatives organised by Tshimoloho. For this event, Moleko donated dignitary packs to sex workers.