In a modest trading centre located near the bustling city of Blantyre in southern Malawi, an extraordinary change has occurred. Chikondi* (not her real name), a former sex worker did not choose the path of sex work; rather, it was a necessity born from hardship. “I endured the struggles of being a sex worker before the project started in 2019,” Chikondi reflects. “I empathize with the pain and challenges these young women in this industry face, which drives me to advocate for their protection. No one willingly enters this line of work; it signifies that they are grappling with difficulties in caring for their children.”
Chikondi’s compassion for younger sex workers is rooted in her own past. “It is unjust for a girl to enter a bar, suffer abuse, and return home empty-handed. Our shared humanity compels us to learn from our experiences to assist these girls, and we have a responsibility to do so,” she says.
The Unified Budget, Results and Accountability Framework (UBRAF) is UNAIDS instrument to maximize the coherence, coordination and impact of the UN’s response to AIDS. In Malawi, UN Women, through the UBRAF initiative, provided Chikondi and her colleagues with a fresh outlook to life. “We inquire about the reasons behind the girls’ choices, whether they are HIV positive or not. If they are, we guide them on how to manage the condition and safeguard themselves. Prior to UBRAF, we were indifferent to AIDS, but after gaining knowledge, we can protect ourselves and encourage the young women and girls to undergo testing, adhere to ARV treatment, and, if they are not infected, to take precautions to ensure their well-being,” says Chikondi.
Chikondi speaks with deep empathy regarding the suffering caused by AIDS. “AIDS is a devastating illness. Many women in our communities have experienced the agony of being ill, and that motivates us to prevent our friends from enduring similar suffering. That is why we strive diligently. If someone chooses not to heed to our advice, that is their decision, but we will persist in our efforts.
Another woman, Jane*(not her real name), recounts how the project significantly altered her approach to parenting, particularly in safeguarding her children. “I used to be one of those mothers who brought my child to a bar while I worked. Many sex workers operate in bars, and children often fall ill after picking up discarded condoms and playing with them which can include ingesting them. Sometimes, clients would hand condoms to children, encouraging them to inflate them like ballons.” She recalls.
Jane’s circumstances shifted dramatically with the introduction of UBRAF. “UBRAF change agents would persistently come to the bars, telling us about the importance of protecting our children.My children’s welfare has changed for the better. Previously, they would become ill or faint from being confined in rooms. Some children learned to use foul language at an early age and exhibited unruly behaviour due to internalising things happening within their surroundings (bars). The project transformed my life and my children’s lives,” Jane says. Many bar owners have also been trained to become change agents in their communities, fighting for the rights of women and girls.
The initiative also cultivated a sense of community and mutual support among sex workers. “Previously, these women would hastily gather their children and hide at the sound of approaching police,” Chikondi explains. “However, with the project’s arrival, we welcomed one girl, saying, ‘Join us, let’s learn together.’ She now works here and earns enough to care for her children now living in her village.”
Chikondi’s narrative is one of resilience and change. Through the UBRAF project, she discovered a renewed sense of purpose and became a source of inspiration for others in her community. Her transformation from a struggling sex worker to a respected community leader leading change and paving a pathway for many other women to find alterative means of living. Chikondi’s story is one that exemplifies the impact of empowerment.
Today, Chikondi remains committed to supporting and safeguarding younger sex workers, equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary for healthier, safer lives. Her unwavering dedication and empathy have not only transformed her own life but also positively influenced many others in her community.
The experiences of Chikondi and the UBRAF project underscore the significant effects that education and support can have on individuals and communities. UN Women and partners supported female sex workers through a series of targeted interventions aimed at strengthening their autonomy and improving their wellbeing. These interventions included promoting regular HIV/AIDS testing, creating a network of change agents, particularly among bar owners, to foster safer working environments, and empowering sex workers to organize and advocate for their rights. UN Women also facilitated their connection to the national-level Female Sex Workers Association, enabling them to amplify their collective voice to champion their protection.
Chikondi’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with appropriate resources and supportive work and community environment, even the most difficult situations can evolve into opportunities for sustainable growth and empowerment, even long after projects have ended.
UN Women News
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