Sex workers trained in tailoring

Tonata, a local welfare organisation, has facilitated the enrolment of 72 sex workers into tailoring courses at local institutions.

Tonata spokesperson Martha Amupolo said they want to improve the lives of sex workers while speaking during the Oshikoto Regional Aids Coordination Committee meeting held in Omuthiya on Thursday.

Amupolo stated that the enrolment of the sex workers began in July 2024.

“Besides the tailoring course, we also provide them with mentorship programmes to help them understand that they can reintegrate into society,” she said.

She further explained that the sex workers enrolled in the programme are from the Ohangwena, Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Zambezi and Kavango East regions.

“Most of them are from the Oshivelo settlement in the Oshikoto region and the Okandjengedi Bridge at Oshakati, in the Oshana region,” she said.

Amupolo added that the organisation aims to equip the sex workers with skills and knowledge that can help them earn a living, as many have said that sex work is their only means of survival.

The organisation has also provided them with financial support.

“We are really happy that they have come on board and are attending these courses, even though a few continue to go and do their work at night,” she said.

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