The Women of Dignity Alliance (WODA), an advocacy group focused on addressing the abuse and marginalization of female sex workers (FSWs), has called on the media to be circumspect in their reportage, particularly on issues concerning sex workers.
Speaking at a one-day media training workshop in Accra, WODA’s Monitoring Officer, Ms. Ophelia Allotey, emphasized that stigmatization, discrimination, and human rights abuses against FSWs threaten national development.
She noted that although the media has played a key role in raising awareness on cases involving FSWs, much of the coverage has been tainted by sensationalism, which undermines the dignity and rights of these women.
Ms. Allotey stressed that for advocacy efforts towards the decriminalization of sex work to be effective, the media must play a transformative role by providing accurate and respectful coverage of issues involving FSWs.
“The media must move away from reinforcing harmful stereotypes that portray sex workers as criminals. Instead, they should highlight their resilience and advocate for their human rights,” she said.
Expressing concern over the persistent misrepresentation of sex workers in the media, Ms. Allotey said such portrayals reinforce societal biases and deepen the marginalization of these women.
She explained that sex work, which involves the exchange of sexual services, performances, or products for material compensation, should be recognized for its labor aspect — a perspective that, she argued, would promote the dignity and rights of sex workers.
Highlighting the risks faced by sex workers, Ms. Allotey underscored that they are often exposed to physical and sexual violence from clients, law enforcement officers, and even intimate partners.
She believes that decriminalizing sex work would have a range of positive impacts, including a reduction in violence and exploitation, improved access to healthcare, enhanced public health outcomes, and a decrease in stigmatization.
Ms. Allotey called on government and all stakeholders to collaborate in advancing the decriminalization agenda to create a safer, more inclusive environment for sex workers.
She further revealed that WODA has engaged the Ghana Police Service on the issue and has received assurances of their support.
By Margaret Esaah Boakye
