Kampala sex workers demonstrate at AIDS conference
A DOZEN Kampala sex workers on Tuesday joined others from all over the world to fight for their rights in a demonstration that paralysed the International AIDS Conference in Vienna.
by deusdedit ruhangariyo
in Austria
A DOZEN Kampala sex workers on Tuesday joined others from all over the world to fight for their rights in a demonstration that paralysed the International AIDS Conference in Vienna.
The sex workers led by Maclean Kyomya, 30, moved around the Reed Messe Wien International conference Centre demanding that their rights be respected.
Kyomya, who heads an association of sex workers in Uganda, shocked delegates when she started shouting: “It iiiis our riiiightâ€, attracting journalists to point television cameras at her.
The demonstrators carried placards.
Some of them read: “sex work is workâ€, “PEPFAR = No condomsâ€, “PEPFAR kills sex workers†and “stop funding Christian missionariesâ€. They also demanded that donors consider sex workers while making their decisions.
Kyomya, who claims she has been in the trade for 10 years, said sex workers should be allowed to choose their profession as in Uganda sex work is illegal.
They were over 50 sex workers among whom were four Ugandans and six men.
Kyomya said most sex workers in Uganda ply their trade on the streets and in their homes. Those from other parts of the world, like Thailand, said they are supporting their families because in their country, the industry is booming.
The conference has attracted over 20,000 participants.
in Austria
A DOZEN Kampala sex workers on Tuesday joined others from all over the world to fight for their rights in a demonstration that paralysed the International AIDS Conference in Vienna.
The sex workers led by Maclean Kyomya, 30, moved around the Reed Messe Wien International conference Centre demanding that their rights be respected.
Kyomya, who heads an association of sex workers in Uganda, shocked delegates when she started shouting: “It iiiis our riiiightâ€, attracting journalists to point television cameras at her.
The demonstrators carried placards.
Some of them read: “sex work is workâ€, “PEPFAR = No condomsâ€, “PEPFAR kills sex workers†and “stop funding Christian missionariesâ€. They also demanded that donors consider sex workers while making their decisions.
Kyomya, who claims she has been in the trade for 10 years, said sex workers should be allowed to choose their profession as in Uganda sex work is illegal.
They were over 50 sex workers among whom were four Ugandans and six men.
Kyomya said most sex workers in Uganda ply their trade on the streets and in their homes. Those from other parts of the world, like Thailand, said they are supporting their families because in their country, the industry is booming.
The conference has attracted over 20,000 participants.