Despised in public, sweet in private

Commercial sex workers have lived on the margins of society for centuries, ostracised and viewed with disdain. They have been subjected to stereotypes, called derogatory names and their job stigmatised worldwide. Recently the South African based Open Society Initiative For Southern Africa (OSISA) released a report after conducting research on the rights of male, female and trans-sexual sex workers in the three southern countries of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. The research recommended that sex work be legalised in Botswana and law enforcement agencies be held accountable for harassing the workers. The slogan of OSISA's current campaign for more recognition is tinged in self-confidence to the point of outright rebellion, declaring: "We want rights, not rescue". But it is a fact that those involved in commercial sex work are as much part of the communities they live in with their services much sought after by clients. At the release of the OSISA report a young commercial sex worker who will be identified as Mary* walked to the podium to give a closing speech. Her mere presence was a statement against stigmatisation. Later, Staff Writer CHANDAPIWA BAPUTAKI caught up with the 23-year-old at the Middle Star shopping complex and spoke to her about her life and work