Maseru sex workers wait for clients on the streets at night. Credit: The Post Newspaper. These conflicting viewpoints from traditional leaders and civic groups were voiced during a two-day meeting organised by the Key Affected Populations Alliance of Lesotho KAPAL , aimed at garnering support for the legalisation of sex work. Support is being sought in light of concerning reports of high levels of sexual and physical violations against sex workers in Lesotho. It noted that at least 15 out of every sex workers in Maseru have experienced physical violations while carrying out their duties.
In Leribe, around 10 out of every sex workers have experienced physical violations. Sexual violence rates are particularly high among sex workers in the capital Maseru Even more alarming is the stark reality that over 5, female sex workers in the districts of Maseru, Leribe, Botha-Bothe, and Mafeteng are grappling with HIV, with a staggering prevalence rate of This deeply underscores a significant public health concern.
This concerning figure marks a substantial increase from Notably, Leribe emerged with the highest prevalence at 57 percent, followed by Mafeteng at 45 percent, Botha-Bothe at 39 percent, and Maseru at 38 percent. With the problem escalating daily, should we simply ignore it? Mosooane argues that KAPAL advocates for the decriminalisation of sex work because a current provision in the Penal Code of , which criminalises sex work, directly contributes to the high rate of new HIV infections in Lesotho.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the criminalisation of sex work exacerbates violence, stigma, and discrimination against sex workers. Criminalisation of sex work violates the right to bodily autonomy.
On February 29, , Mphutlane contended that sex work was not the sole sector contributing to new HIV infections in Lesotho. He argued that individuals engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners also play a significant role in the spread of HIV. Therefore, he asserted that citing sex work, in its current illegal state, as a contributor to new infections was not a sufficient reason to advocate for its decriminalisation. Meanwhile, representatives of non-governmental organizations who attended the meeting stood firm in their advocacy for the legalization of sex work in Lesotho, refusing to relent on their stance.
