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Safe Abortion Action Fund, Uganda,IPPF

Sex workers in Uganda: fighting violence and inequality

In Uganda, 42% of all pregnancies each year are unintended. The country's weak economy is exacerbated by high levels of gender inequality and poor access to jobs for women. Many women who turn to sex ...

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Make abortion safe. Make abortion legal

In Uganda, 42% of all pregnancies each year are unintended. The country's weak economy is exacerbated by high levels of gender inequality and poor access to jobs for women. Many women who turn to sex work are at risk of abuse and often rape. Abortion is heavily restricted in Uganda and clandestine safe services are very costly. This results in further poverty for many sex workers and sometimes unplanned pregnancies or even death from unsafe abortion.

IPPF hosts the Safe Abortion Action Fund (SAAF), and the Lady Mermaid Bureau - a local grassroots project - is funded by SAAF to empower sex workers with the legal support and reproductive health services they need to make informed decisions.

Joanna

SEX WORKER
Womans Image

Joanne

"We are not respected - some police rape us. Many have got pregnant, including me."

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Masitula

SEX WORKER
Womans Image

Masitula

"I have no family left but this project has changed my life. Now I have a friend."

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Debora

SEX WORKER
Womans Image

Debora

"Sex work isn't easy. You don't fit in society because others see you as someone who can be neglected"

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Pretty Lynn

SEX WORKER
Womans Image

Pretty Lynn

"Being a sex worker is like a curse. People look at you like you are the worst thing that can happen in society."

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when

country

Uganda

Subject

Gender equality, Abortion Care