In Nigeria, conversations about public health often overlook the realities faced by female sex workers (FSWs).
Yet, FSWs are a critical part of the public health ecosystem, particularly in HIV response and community-level outreach.
At The Momentum Support Initiative (TMSI), we believe it is time for Nigeria’s policies and systems to reflect this reality.
We’re proud to share our latest Policy Brief, which highlights the urgent need for inclusive, evidence-based, and human rights-centered reforms that address the intersecting barriers female sex workers face.
What’s the Issue?
Despite their contributions, FSWs in Lagos continue to face:
•Severe health risks, including poor access to reproductive and HIV-related care
•Legal threats due to the criminalization of sex work and related discriminatory laws
•Social stigma and violence that leave them vulnerable and excluded from support systems
•Economic insecurity, worsened by job instability and limited empowerment opportunities
Why Policy Reform Is Urgent
This Policy Brief calls for the following:
• Decriminalization of sex work-related offenses, especially laws that punish women disproportionately
• Access to non-judgmental, confidential healthcare services tailored to the needs of sex workers
• Inclusion in health programming and funding, especially in HIV response and gender-based violence efforts
• Legal and social protections to safeguard FSWs from police abuse, sexual violence, and public discrimination
What You’ll Find in the Brief
This document is grounded in real stories, data, and fieldwork. It outlines practical, actionable steps for:
•Policymakers
•Development partners
•Health institutions
•Legal advocates
•Civil society organizations
The message is clear: protecting the rights of female sex workers is not just a moral imperative it’s a public health necessity.
Download the Full Brief
Click to access and read the full policy brief: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1snEf63eFEAIhpnCeYkU566lOfa7r6fQF/view?usp=drivesdk
Let’s Act Together
Female sex workers deserve more than silence and stigma—they deserve protection, access, and respect.
Join us at TMSI in advocating for a Nigeria where every woman, regardless of her profession, can live with dignity and health.
