It is every citizen’s right to access medical services, regardless of their occupation
By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
Over 30 adolescent girls and young women, AGYW, who engage in sex work gathered in Gboko for a two-day training organized by Concerned Women International Development Initiative, CWIDI, in partnership with Y+ Global, to strengthen their understanding of legal and health rights and enhance their capacity to advocate for themselves and others.
The workshop, held under the theme ‘Empowering AGYW Sex Workers with Legal and Health Rights Awareness, including Access to HIV, TB, and Malaria Services for Policy Advocacy’, aimed to reducing their vulnerability to violence and disease by equipping them with practical knowledge and advocacy tools.
Becky Gbihi, Senior Programme Officer at CWIDI, said the training was designed to help AGYW sex workers understand their rights under national legal frameworks such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, Act and the Revised National Gender Policy, RNGP.
She emphasized the need for inclusive policies and support systems that ensure access to justice and healthcare services without stigma or discrimination, calling on Government law enforcement agencies and healthcare institutions to end all forms of discrimination against women but rather collaborate to promote dignity, equity and justice.
Participants shared personal stories of harassment, police extortion, and abuse in the hands of brothel managers, security personnel, and healthcare providers.
Many lamented being treated as criminals instead of being supported as citizens with rights.
One participant, Gladys, recounted how sex workers are often forced to pay between ₦2,000 and ₦3,000 monthly to avoid arrest or harassment. “Even when we are arrested, we are sometimes sexually abused in detention,” she said.
Another participant, Doopuun Kpeve, called for fairness and protection. “We are judged and stigmatized, but the men who patronize us walk free. The law should protect all citizens equally,” she added.
Legal expert Barrister Justin Gbagir urged participants to know and assert their rights, resist abuse, and seek redress through legal means and civil society support.
Dr. Laadi Swende, a medical expert, educated the women on safe sex practices, HIV and TB prevention, and the importance of regular testing and access to healthcare without fear or discrimination.
Dr. Swende emphasized that it is every citizen’s right to access medical services, regardless of their occupation.
She advised participants to seek help through peer educators, NGOs, or SERVICOM offices if they face discrimination.
Participants were also trained on how to use storytelling and personal experiences to influence policies, engage decision-makers, and advocate for improved services.