In 2010, Philip Onyancha confessed to the murder of 19 people, including sex workers, in Nakuru. This sparked a wave of mysterious killings targeting sex workers in the city between October and December 2015. Fearing stigmatization, the sex workers went into hiding instead of seeking help from the police.
Realizing the need for a safer working environment, the sex workers decided to unite and demonstrate for their rights. They sought help from organizations to educate them on operating safely and communicate with each other to ensure their protection.
To combat the stigma associated with their profession, the sex workers changed their name to Smart Ladies and established an office in Nakuru. They focused on addressing gender-based violence, advocating for women's rights, and building positive relationships with clients, police, health service providers, and the local government.
Smart Ladies received training from health service providers to distribute condoms, offer medical care for sexually transmitted infections, and provide family planning advice. They also sponsored members to undergo paralegal training, enabling them to defend themselves in court.
The Kenya Red Cross and Kenya Sex Workers Alliance supported the efforts of the Nakuru team, engaging in sensitization programs to raise awareness of sex workers' rights.
While no new reports of violence have emerged since 2017, there are still over 1,000 Smart Ladies in Nakuru City alone, and more than 25,000 in the county.
Daisy Achieng, the chair of Smart Ladies, emphasizes the need for their profession to be dignified and recognized. She urges the government to protect the rights of sex workers and their families, including providing educational opportunities and job opportunities during difficult times.
Smart Ladies have worked to eliminate stigma within the community, maintain clean business practices, and ensure the well-being of their children and friends. They have also taken measures to enhance security, such as advising lodgings to install CCTV cameras and maintaining contact information in every area where their members reside.
Overall, the unionization of sex workers in Nakuru has empowered them to improve their working conditions, combat stigma, and advocate for their rights within the community.
Posts
