MALAWI. Lilongwe: Malawi’s sex workers took to the streets of the capital Lilongwe to protest the imposition of strict COVID-19 prevention guidelines on Thursday.
The sex workers have claimed that banning the patronization of bars and nightclubs after 8 pm has been a major setback to their business.
On Thursday, the sex workers delivered a petition to the city authorities.
In an open statement, Zinenani Majawa, the Secretary-General of the Sex Workers Association told the journalists that her organization wants the Malawi government to make adjustments to the COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
“We want to be allowed to operate from 8 pm to 12 midnight. As for Fridays, we want them to be business as usual, open till the next day morning,” she added.
The sex workers have been protesting against the regulations for a long time. Despite having an organization of sex workers in Malawi, sex work is still not legalized in the country. The main focus will be on how the Malawi government will handle its concerns.
Despite being illegal the workers get advice and assistance from organizations like the Centre for Development of People (CEDEP).
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Meanwhile, Mlenga Mvula a local law expert has argued that the protests were illegal and law enforcement agencies could have arrested the protestors.
“Sex work is different from prostitution. But the law is very silent on the meaning of a sex worker. But the exchange of sex activities for money is a crime,” he added.
