Makerere University Initiative Offers Hope and Dignity to 4,000 Sex Workers

Researchers from Makerere University’s School of Public Health have been instrumental in developing a social security initiative that is transforming the lives of approximately 4,000 sex workers in Uganda.

The scheme, which originated as a grassroots savings group, aims to empower sex workers to prepare for life after the trade. It also seeks to mitigate the cycle of poverty that can force the children of sex workers into the same profession.

According to Macklean Kyomya, executive director of the Alliance of Women Advocating for Change (AWAC), the initiative was born out of concern for aging sex workers facing retirement with no financial safety net. Many worried about their children’s futures, unable to save or invest in alternative income streams.

The program received a significant boost with a $20,000 grant from the Social Innovations in Health Initiative (SIHI) at Makerere University. This funding helped formalize the savings groups, encouraging wider participation and enabling members to save as little as Shs 5,000.

These savings can be utilized for various purposes, including investing in alternative income-generating activities like agriculture, covering school fees for children, and accessing community-based health insurance. This provides a crucial safety net often absent in conventional social security systems.

Dr. Phyllis Awor, a researcher at Makerere University, highlighted that the initiative aligns with identifying social innovations that can improve health outcomes, recognizing sex workers as a key population vulnerable to STIs and other health risks.

The program’s success has led to further support, with an additional $8,000 grant to assess the model’s scalability across the country. Some beneficiaries have already transitioned out of sex work, focusing on sustainable livelihoods.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/how-makerere-scheme-gave-hope-to-4000-sex-workers-to-age-with-dignity