African Sex Workers Alliance (ASWA) made its mark at the 8th RHNK Pan-African Adolescent & Youth SRHR Scientific Conference, bringing bold, rights-based advocacy to one of the continent’s leading spaces for dialogue on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
ASWA’s participation underscored its unwavering commitment to advancing sex workers’ rights, centering community-led solutions, and pushing for inclusive policies that leave no one behind.
Panel Discussions: Power Beyond the Margins
ASWA’s Program Officer, Grace Nyarath, joined a high-level panel titled “Power Beyond the Margins: Advancing Inclusive SRHR for Africa’s Youth”, held at Baraza Hall 2 on June 25th. This session explored the urgent need to prioritize the rights, health, and agency of all young people, especially those at the margins. Grace championed sex workers’ voices, calling for inclusive, youth-responsive frameworks grounded in human rights.
Abstract Presentation: Funding Restrictions and SRHR
ASWA also delivered an abstract presentation on “Funding Restrictions as a Tool for Manipulating SRH Implementation in Third World Countries”, highlighting the often-overlooked ways restrictive funding policies shape and limit sexual and reproductive health programming in the Global South. This presentation challenged stakeholders to rethink power dynamics in development financing and prioritize local ownership and needs.
Side Event: Menstruation and Menopause as a Feminist Issue
ASWA participated in the side event “Menstruation and Menopause: A Feminist Issue”, also at Baraza Hall 2. This conversation emphasized the importance of framing menstrual and menopausal health as fundamental rights and feminist issues — pushing for comprehensive, stigma-free SRHR policies that serve people across the life course.
National Legal and Policy Priorities for SGBV Prevention and Response — A Case of Kenya
ASWA was also proud to join discussions on National Legal and Policy Priorities for Advancing SGBV Prevention and Response – A Case of Kenya. Under the theme Enhancing Bodily Autonomy and Self-Determination in AYSRHR, Grace Nyarath spoke on the need to center community-led solutions, strengthen legal protections, and advance bodily autonomy for all — especially for sex workers who face heightened risks of violence and discrimination.
Exhibition: FON Booth — ASWA in Action
Throughout the week, ASWA hosted an exhibition at the Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) Booth. Visitors were invited to step into a space of community-led advocacy showcasing ASWA’s work in championing sex workers’ rights across Africa. Attendees learned about ongoing campaigns, research, and community engagement aimed at dismantling stigma, criminalization, and violence against sex workers.
Commitment to Action
ASWA’s presence at the RHNK Conference was more than participation — it was leadership. By centering sex workers’ voices, challenging harmful funding practices, and calling for policy reforms grounded in dignity and rights, ASWA reaffirmed its mission to create a safer, more just Africa for all.
ASWA extends heartfelt thanks to Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) for sponsoring and supporting these critical spaces for dialogue, learning, and collective action.
