Nyasha’s story

“Because of a lack of money with which to feed my family I got into sex work,” says Nyasha [not her real name].

“It was a very difficult decision for me to make, because I am a Christian. But I felt I had no choices left.

“I just had to get money to support my children.”

Imagine how she felt. Going into prostitution was against Nyasha’s principles, but she felt she had to in order to feed her children.

Progressio’s partner organisation NECTOI spreads awareness about HIV among the men – many of them working in the transport industry – who visit sex workers. Progressio is also helping Nyasha, and others like her, to find an alternative to the sex trade.

“If I die, my children will have no future,” says Nyasha. “So now I am trying to work as a vendor, selling some fish and eggs when I can.”

The photo shows Progressio development worker Teclah Ponde talking to a truck driver. Teclah was working as an HIV specialist with ZACRO (the Zimbabwe Association for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of the Offender) and was advising NECTOI on its awareness-raising work with truck drivers. (Photo © Marcus Perkins/Progressio)