Zim GBC News | Parliamentary Affairs
Zimbabwe is set to remove laws criminalizing prostitution after a landmark parliamentary engagement where legislators called for an end to the arrest of sex workers and equal access to health services for marginalized groups.
The two-day needs assessment dialogue, organized by Springs of Life Zimbabwe (SLZ), brought together sex workers and members of Parliament’s Health and Public Service committees to address discrimination in the country’s health and legal systems.
Under current Zimbabwean law, publicly soliciting for prostitution is punishable by fines or imprisonment, effectively criminalizing sex work. However, legislators across party lines argued that this approach has failed and needs reform.
“We cannot continue seeing sex workers arrested for selling while buyers walk free,” said Emakhandeni-Luveve legislator Discent Bajila.
“Either both sides face the law or none at all. It must not be discriminatory.”
Former Health Portfolio Committee chairperson Dr. Ruth Labode emphasized the contradiction in criminalizing a practice that has long existed in society.
“Sex work has always existed in our culture even our grandparents spoke about it. Yet today we criminalise it in ways that fuel corruption and dent Zimbabwe’s image,” Dr. Labode stated.
“My call is simple – hashtag decriminalise sex work.”
The dialogue highlighted how criminalization undermines public health goals, particularly in HIV prevention. SLZ Programmes Coordinator Precious Msindo noted:
“For too long, sex workers have been spoken about but not spoken with. This dialogue shows that Parliament is ready to listen.”
Pumula legislator Sichelesile Mahlangu stressed the importance of inclusive lawmaking:
“We cannot legislate without hearing directly from those affected. Sex workers are citizens, mothers and breadwinners. They deserve to be heard, not criminalised.”
Hwange Central MP Daniel Molokele urged evidence-based policy:
“Research shows that decriminalisation improves health outcomes and reduces exploitation. Zimbabwe must follow science and best practice.”
The engagement concluded that eliminating discrimination in health care and reforming sex work laws would strengthen Zimbabwe’s HIV response and ensure marginalized communities are included in achieving national health targets by 2030.
Follow us on social media for breaking news:
X(Twitter): @ZimGbc
Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
Facebook: Zim GBC News
YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2025