The Orchid Women Empowerment and Support Initiative (OWESI) is a sex worker-led non-profit based in Entebbe, Uganda, focused on health and human rights for LGBTQ sex workers. Their project, the Integrated Violence Prevention Plan (IVPP), aims to combat gender-based violence through education, advocacy, and the provision of vital services such as legal aid, shelter, and health support.
OWESI was created by a collective of LGBTQ sex workers who wanted to combat the widespread discrimination and violence they face. Their vision is to build a strong community that recognizes sex work as legitimate, advocating for the rights and safety of LGBTQ sex workers, especially in areas like Kalangala Island and Buwaya.
The initiative provides emergency support, legal aid, and counseling to LGBTQ sex workers as a way to create a safe space for victims of violence. This includes the establishment of a 24-hour crisis response team and providing immediate assistance and long-term empowerment to survivors.
