Sisonke Sex Workers Movement

Sisonke — meaning "Togetherness" in isiZulu — is South Africa's national movement of sex workers, built by sex workers, for sex workers. Founded in the Western Cape in 2003 after sex workers collectively grew tired of being abused, isolated, and stripped of their human rights, Sisonke has grown into a movement of over 1,500 members across six provinces. Their work is powered by peer educators, paralegals, and media liaisons who are themselves members of the community they serve.

Sisonke operates from a fundamental belief: that sex workers are human beings with the same constitutional rights as everyone else — including the right to safety, health, dignity, and freedom from violence. GBV against sex workers is pervasive, and is often compounded by criminalisation, police abuse, and a justice system that routinely fails this community. Sisonke meets its members in that reality and fights back.

This organisation is especially relevant to you if you are a current or former sex worker who has experienced GBV, rape, assault, exploitation, or human rights violations. Sisonke understands your specific context and will not judge you.

What They Offer Survivors

Rights Advice and Paralegal Support Sisonke's branches have trained paralegals who provide rights advice and legal guidance to sex workers — helping members understand what happened to them, what their rights are, and what steps they can take. This includes support for reporting GBV and assault to police, navigating the justice system, and accessing legal assistance. Sisonke connects members to legal organisations for formal legal support when needed.

Counselling and Referral Helpline In partnership with SWEAT (Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce), Sisonke offers a 24-hour counselling and referral helpline — available to sex workers who have experienced violence, trauma, or other crises. You will be heard without judgement.

Post-Violence Care Sisonke's outreach programmes and peer educators provide post-violence care and support — including referrals to health, legal, and psychosocial services for members who have experienced assault, rape, or abuse.

Creative Space Meetings Regular Creative Space meetings at Sisonke branches provide safe, community-driven environments for members to come together, share stories, access information about Sisonke and partner services, and support each other. These spaces are particularly valuable for sex workers who may be isolated or unable to access mainstream support structures.

Health Access and Referrals Sisonke peer educators conduct outreach, workshops, and data collection, collaborating with health and police services to improve sex workers' access to healthcare. This includes referrals for HIV testing, PrEP and PEP, sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support, and substance use support.

Know Your Rights Education Sisonke runs workshops and produces accessible, plain-language materials — including pamphlets on GBV, health, workplace rights, and the distinction between sex work and human trafficking — to ensure every member knows their rights and freedoms as guaranteed by the South African Constitution.

Decriminalisation Advocacy Sisonke is the leading sex worker-led voice in South Africa's campaign for the decriminalisation of sex work — arguing that criminalisation directly increases violence against sex workers, blocks access to healthcare, and enables police abuse. They engage government departments, participate in parliamentary consultations, and represent the sex worker community at national policy level.

If you are a sex worker who has experienced violence or needs support, contact your nearest Sisonke branch or reach Sisonke through their website. All support is confidential and non-judgmental.