Pilot project helps sex workers re-integrate into community

Launched in November 2014, the Care project has provided prostitutes who want to quit the trade with full access to knowledge about the law, gender equality, social skills as well as job opportunities. It has been carried out in Ho Chi Minh City, the northern province of Quang Ninh and the southern province of Can Tho. 

Le Thi Ha, deputy head of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs’ Department for Social Vices Prevention, called for spreading the model and increasing collaboration between ministries, departments and trade unions throughout the process. 

Vice Director of the municipal Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Huynh Thanh Khiet, who is also head of the project management board in Ho Chi Minh City, said more members will be admitted to Sen Xanh women’s club and a second similar club will be launched in the third quarter of this year, focusing on job opportunities, health care, legal and psychological consultation and support in re-applying for personal identification documents. 

Sen Xanh club currently groups more than 470 women. Over the past two years, it has sent 120 to HIV testing and HIV/AIDS treatment clinics, 135 to testing for sexually transmitted diseases and offered VND35 million to each member in support of vocational training. 

The project has also raised funding for assistance in health insurance subscriptions, free gynaecological check-ups and starting small-sized businesses (SMEs).