More than 30 sex workers in Lautoka will soon be engaged with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in skills training and income-generating projects.

The idea came after the ministry held a three-day empowerment training programme at the Lautoka Hotel earlier this past week for the group of sex workers.

The programme, which comes under the ministry’s empowerment module, aims to educate the youths around the country to reach their full potential and assist them to start their own business and earn a proper income.

In a statement to the Fiji Sun, the ministry outlined its role in assisting the youths, including the vulnerable groups that they planned to work with in the coming months.

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports prides itself on being a ministry for all youth and this programme comes under the Ministry of Youth and Sports empowerment module, which seeks to educate and motivate all youth in Fiji to reach their full potential,” the statement read.

“With sessions led from Empower Pacific, Pacific Rainbow Advocacy Network (PRAN) and sex workers leaders, the workshop educated the community about their sexual health and introduced mental health topics and opportunities for counselling through Empower Pacific, this is the first step in strengthening the partnership with members and leaders within this community.

“After this training, the Ministry of Youth and Sports will analyse the community’s needs and provide follow-up mobile skills training for individuals according to their skillsets. With the certifications and new skillsets, the ministry will further empower the sex workers to start income-generating projects and become leaders within other industries.”

The ministry also stated the group of sex workers also had goals that they wished to meet, which included going back to school, finding sustainable employment, obtaining secure housing and decriminalising sex work in Fiji completely.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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