Yankho Mkwapatira & Liwonde Female Sex Workers Alliance (LIFESA)

Yankho Mkwapatira, Malawi, is a sex worker and founder of Liwonde Female Sex Workers Alliance (LIFESA) - a platform fighting rights of female sex workers community groups in Machinga, Malawi. Yankho and the 35 members of LIFESA will use the Giving Joy grant to combat physical abuse and unlawful arrests of female sex workers in Malawi, particularly under the unconstitutional "Rogue and Vagabonding" law.

LIFESA will organize a solidarity walk/parade in Liwonde Township to demand that the Malawi Police Service cease arrests of sex workers under this law. Following the parade, LIFESA will conduct training sessions for sex workers to raise awareness of their rights, document violations, and form a monitoring committee. The initiative aims to prevent abuse, harassment, and human rights violations by law enforcement.

Additionally, the parade will raise funds to further protect and promote the rights of sex workers, enabling them to work without fear of abuse. This project will directly benefit 50 female sex workers and strengthen LIFESA’s advocacy for vulnerable women and girls.