Soul City Institute Joins National Dialogue on Human Rights, Health, Safety, and Economic Empowerment of Sex Workers in Thabazimbi

The dialogue aims to strengthen a coordinated, rights-based response to the challenges experienced by sex workers, including barriers to healthcare, gender-based violence, stigma and discrimination, limited access to justice, and socio-economic exclusion. It will provide a platform for open engagement, shared learning, and collective action to improve access to quality services while advancing the dignity, health, and human rights of sex workers.

As an organisation committed to advancing health and social justice through social and behaviour change, Soul City Institute believes that sustainable solutions are only possible when the voices and lived experiences of affected communities inform policies, programs, and service delivery .

Events such as this National Dialogue are important because they create space for meaningful engagement on the rights, health, safety, and well-being of sex workers while promoting collaboration among government, civil society, healthcare providers, and affected communities. They help address the barriers that many sex workers face, including stigma, discrimination, violence, exclusion from essential services, and limited access to justice. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the dialogue supports the development of more coordinated, evidence-informed, and people-centered responses that protect human rights and improve health and social outcomes.

By participating in and supporting dialogues of this nature, Soul City Institute reaffirms its commitment to the fundamental rights of every person to dignity, safety, health, equality, and equal access to essential services. SCI believes that everyone, regardless of their occupation or social status, should be able to access quality healthcare, protection from violence, justice, social support, and economic opportunities without fear of stigma or discrimination. The Institute further reaffirms that sustainable and inclusive solutions are only possible when the voices, experiences, and leadership of affected communities are recognised and meaningfully integrated into policies, programs, and service delivery. This commitment is aligned with SCI's broader mission of advancing health, human rights, and social justice through evidence-based social and behaviour change interventions.

Advocacy Officer at Soul City Institute Siyanda Magayana, said: “We believe that every person has the right to live with dignity, safety, and respect and to access the health and social services they need to thrive. Dialogues such as these are critical for challenging stigma, strengthening accountability, and ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of sex workers inform the policies and programmes that affect their lives. Meaningful inclusion is essential to advancing health equity, human rights, and social justice for all.”

The dialogue will bring together key stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, healthcare, and community-based organisations to identify practical recommendations for strengthening service delivery, improving coordination across sectors, and advancing policy reforms that promote health equity and social justice.

Discussions will focus on:

Promoting equitable access to comprehensive health services, including sexual and reproductive health and HIV services.

Addressing stigma, discrimination, and violence experienced by sex workers.

Strengthening trauma-informed, person-centered service delivery.

Improving collaboration between health, social development, justice, and community sectors.

Advancing economic empowerment and social protection.

Developing actionable recommendations to improve policy implementation and accountability.

Soul City Institute recognises that reducing stigma and discrimination is essential to improving public health outcomes and ensuring that all people can access services without fear, judgment, or exclusion. The Institute remains committed to supporting evidence-based advocacy, community participation, and partnerships that advance health equity and human rights.

The outcomes of the dialogue will contribute to ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening public policy, improving service delivery systems, and promoting inclusive approaches that respect the dignity and rights of all people.

ENDS

Media Enquiries

Soul City Institute
Email: akona@soulcity.org.za
Telephone: 0746045799