ASWA

Hajjara Sanyu is a sex worker, queer feminist, and human rights activist dedicated to advancing the rights, dignity, and inclusion of marginalized communities. She serves as the Executive Director of Mermaid’s Bureau, a sex worker-led organization focused on empowerment and advocacy.

She is the Alternate Representative for Key Affected Populations on the Global Fund Uganda Country Coordinating Mechanism, Board Assistant Treasurer at the Most at Risk Populations Network, and Assistant Chairperson of the Community Advisory Board for Key and Priority Populations at BAYLOR Uganda.

With over 10 years of experience working with sex worker-led organizations and networks at national and regional levels, Hajjara brings strong expertise in key population programming, advocacy, research, and documentation. She has demonstrated leadership in governance and strategic management, supporting community-led initiatives for sustainable change.

A recognized Gender-Based Violence champion and trainer, Hajjara is a solution-driven leader known for her skills in coordination, networking, mobilization, communication, and mediation. She is deeply committed to promoting equality and ensuring a world free from stigma and discrimination.

Hajjara holds a Diploma in Humanitarian Leadership from Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia.

Nshombo Aimée Furaha is a seasoned leader in sex worker-led organizing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She leads UMANDE and is a co-founder of ACOHDU-TS, a coalition of human rights defenders for sex workers.

She previously served as a Board Member of the Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP), bringing valuable global governance experience.

Aimée is deeply committed to gender equality, health, and human rights, working closely with governments and civil society to influence policies, laws, and programs that uphold the rights of sex workers.

She is a dedicated advocate for marginalized women, accelerating progress toward equitable access to health and justice.

Muhammad Gaji is a transgender woman, sex worker activist, and community leader based in Kenya. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Muamko Mpya CBO, a sex worker-led organization based in Lamu, North Coast Kenya.

She is a strong advocate for community-led approaches to sex worker empowerment, focusing on capacity building, information sharing, and strengthening governance among ASWA members.

Muhammad champions sexual and reproductive health rights, HIV awareness, and the elimination of stigma and violence against sex workers. She is committed to building resilient, informed, and connected communities across the region.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance.

Leeroy Mkhokheli Gumpo is a human rights activist, feminist, and aspiring development practitioner who promotes a multisectoral approach to development. He is currently the Regional Coordinator for the Southern Africa Sex Workers Alliance (SASWA).

Leeroy is a strong advocate against stigma and discrimination, promoting inclusion across sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. He has played a key role in advancing recognition and rights for key and vulnerable populations in Zimbabwe.

He has facilitated Global Fund technical expertise training for civil society organizations and previously served as Programmes Officer and later Coordinator at Pow Wow, a sex worker-led organization in Bulawayo.

Leeroy has actively participated in regional and global advocacy platforms, including the International AIDS Conference and ICASA. His work reflects deep expertise in programming, facilitation, and coordination of key population and HIV-related initiatives.

Amaka Enemo is a leading advocate for sex workers’ and women’s rights in Nigeria. She is the National Coordinator of the Nigeria Sex Workers Association (NSWA) and the Executive Director of Passion and Concern for Women Welfare and Empowerment Initiative (PACOWWEI).

She also serves as the National Chairperson of the Key Affected Population Secretariat and is a 2016 AVAC Advocacy Fellow, actively promoting PrEP access for key populations.

Amaka made history as the first sex worker in Nigeria to present a Shadow Report at the 67th CEDAW Session in 2017, advancing accountability on women’s rights.

She holds a degree in Political Science from Delta State University and continues to champion policy reform, gender equality, and access to health services.

Nehemiah Kakpo is a development expert with a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Project Management. He is a specialist in HIV/AIDS programming among key populations in West Africa.

He has served as Monitoring and Evaluation Manager on Global Fund-supported projects and played a key role in community-based HIV prevention, care, and treatment initiatives.

Nehemiah is the Robert Carr/NSWP/ASWA focal point supporting efforts to document the impact of COVID-19 and HIV among sex workers in West Africa.

As an NSWP consultant, he contributed to the development of a terminology guide on sex work to address misinformation. He is also a skilled trainer, having led capacity-building initiatives on sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence.

His expertise spans data analysis, program implementation, and resource mobilization, making him a key asset in advancing evidence-based advocacy.

Wadjo Noupa Moïse is a young Cameroonian LGBTIQ sex worker, injecting drug user, and a passionate human rights and health advocate. He coordinates programs on HIV/AIDS, STIs, tuberculosis, liver health, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and COVID-19 under the CHAMP project.

He is the Director of Programs at Alcondoms Cameroon and serves as Regional Coordinator for HIV activities among men who have sex with men (MSM) under the Global Fund.

Wadjo is a graduate of the Sex Workers Academy Africa (2016) and the Academy for the Prevention of Torture in Cameroon (2018). He has contributed to global knowledge by presenting multiple abstracts on MSM, sex work, and drug use at international platforms.

His work is grounded in advancing inclusive health systems and strengthening advocacy for marginalized communities.