Commercial sex workers from Zvishavane in the Midlands Province have called upon the Zimbabwe Government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa to legalize the world’s oldest profession in the landlocked southern African nation, saying they will contribute income tax to the country’s economy.
Speaking at a workshop organised by a non-governmental organisation called WoMandla in the mining town, the sex workers say they want to have their work regularized as they’re seek and tired of the running battles with members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
“We appeal to Government to legislate sex work and we are ready to pay taxes. We want Police off our backs because we are engaged in a centuries-old profession and we are taking care of children and families. That is how important commercial sex work is, “ a commercial sex worker who declined to be named said.
The objective of the workshop, according to a report carried in the regional Mirror newspaper, was to bring together stakeholders like Police and the health sector and discuss problems afflicting sex workers and to do capacity building.
In their conmtributions at the workshop that was held at Lambizi Lodge in the sleepy Midlands town, the thigh vendors said it was high time that commercial sex work was legalised as they depended on it for the upkeep of their families and their own livelihoods.
The workshop was facilitated by WoMandla project officer Yeukai Esnath Gezah.
Founded by Tadiwanashe Burukai-Matutu and Tracy Burukai in 2019, the organisation deals with girls and women issues.
Zwnews
