Kisumu Male Sex Workers Organisation (KIMASWO)

Contact email
Who do you work with?

Male Sex workers (gays, transgenders, bisexuals and MSM), sex worker and LGBTQ movements, MOH (NASCOP), female sex workers and different stakeholders.

How are sex workers involved in your organisation?

Our membership consists of four populations of male sex worker communities (heterosexual, bisexual, msm and trans sex workers). The members form part of the AGM and help in formation of policies and work plans and strategic plans. They also help in resource mobilisation and represent the organisation at any stakeholder and advocacy meetings.

Which of NSWP priority areas does your organisation work on?
Oppose the criminalisation and other legal oppression of sex work and support its recognition as work
Critique the trafficking paradigm that conflates representations of sex work, migration, and mobility
Advocate for universal access to health services, including primary health care, HIV and sexual and reproductive health services
Speak out about violence against sex workers, including violence from police, institutions, clients, and intimate partners, while challenging the myth that sex work is inherently gender-based violence
Oppose human rights abuses, including coercive programming, mandatory testing, raids and forced rehabilitation
Challenge stigma and discrimination against sex workers, their families and partners, and others involved in sex work
Advocate for the economic empowerment and social inclusion of sex workers as sex workers
What are the two main challenges that the sex workers you work with face

The major challenges are stigma and discrimination, [poverty, lack of comprehensive reproductive health services, limited access to social economic activities, isolation in social places and harassment and violence. These are majorly perpetrated by the people at different places of work and also at social places and family.

Describe other areas of your work

Other areas of work include sensitising the male sex workers on health related issues, economic empowerment, human rights and advocacy and group system strengthening. We also offer security training and basic legal and safety awareness tips through partnership with other organisations.

Region
Country
Kenya