As sex work is highly stigmatized in many societies, most sex workers face some degree of
stigma and discrimination. Male and transgender sex workers may face added stigma and
discrimination. Sex workers should be able to participate in all aspects of community life
free from economic, cultural, or social marginalisation, including sex workers living with
HIV. Building supportive environments and developing and strengthening strategic partnerships
can help reduce the stigma and discrimination sex workers face. HIV programmes
have a crucial role in assisting communities to identify and change stigmatizing attitudes
and behaviours related to HIV and sex work and to foster a spirit of tolerance and
inclusion. Health service personnel, law enforcement officers, the judiciary, social welfare
personnel should be specifically targeted for training and sensitisation.
Too often people engaged in sex work face rejection from their own communities. In
addition to mistreatment by clients and service providers, sex workers often risk rejection
at home. Upon returning to their communities, former sex workers may be banished,
victimized by sexual or physical violence, and have their property seized. Those who left
their communities at a young age to engage in sex work experience difficulty reintegrating
in their families and former friendship networks. People who sell sex in or neartheir homes may similarly face community disapproval, and/or violence from husbands,
partners or family members. The children of sex workers may also be subjected to stigma
and discrimination, adversely affecting their rights of access to education and health care.69
To reduce stigma and avert discriminatory practices, targeted community interventions for
social inclusion and capacity building should focus on women’s groups, community leaders
and religious leaders. Psychosocial support should be available for individuals who suffer
psychological distress as a result of the stigma associated with sex work.
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