NonProfit Organization

About Us

Introduction

Our story at Community Health Rights Advocacy

While our mission statement does not explicitly mention sex work due to the criminalizing operating environment in Malawi, supporting the rights of sex workers is our primary focus. We believe that sex work is a legitimate occupation and that individuals involved in this profession deserve the same rights and protections as any other worker.

Our programming is specifically tailored to address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by MSWs and TGs engaged in sex work. By aligning our advocacy efforts with international and regional commitments, such as the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we strive to create an enabling environment where all individuals, regardless of their chosen avenue of employment, can enjoy their human rights.

Ownership is a key value within our organization. We believe that sex workers should be at the forefront of decision-making processes, leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and policies that directly impact their lives. We embrace the diversity within the sex worker community, providing support to individuals of all genders, sexualities, and life experiences. We are committed to including and uplifting those who face intersecting forms of marginalization in all our work.

At CHERA, we firmly uphold the principles of autonomy, recognizing sex work as a form of work, and opposing the criminalization of sex work. We reject any form of stigma and discrimination against sex workers, advocating for their right to self-determination. Our advocacy efforts are grounded in evidence-based approaches that prioritize the perspectives and needs of sex workers themselves.