GWIHR Addresses Media Infodemics About Sex Workers in Abia State

The Executive Director of GWIHR, Aseme Josephine, beseeched the workshop to address an infodemic publication by Guardian Newspaper dated 13th July 2022 (group sensitises sex workers on decent jobs) on a sexism meeting organized by GWIHR for sex workers. She publicly criticized and condemned the practice of the media for referring to sex workers' jobs as an "indecent job or sexual promiscuity act" to be derogatory and unacceptable. Instead, she explained that the income-generating skill acquisition program created by GWIHR only widens the scope and range of choices for economic livelihood for sex workers and is not a medium of luring sex workers away from sex work, as the decision to exit sex work and change business is a thing of personal choice and decision. Josephine urged the Media to be aware of the danger of misinformation in our society today, so they should use their platform to condemn all stereotypes and misinformation because they are dangerous and can tarnish the image of another or cause environmental harm. In addition, she enlightened the participants on the impact of gender stereotypes, gender equality/equity, stigma, and discrimination and how it has fueled violence, targeted sex workers, and increased vulnerability to HIV.