“I see transformation in the sex workers we support, I see change written in their faces. When they earn extra income from the work they do at the center, they gain the power to negotiate for safer sex with their clients” – Deborah Mukasekuru -- Coordinator ANSP+.

In Kigali, Rwanda, ANSP+ -- an association of people living with HIV – is investing in income-generating projects for female sex workers, who are disproportionately affected by HIV. The prevalence of HIV among female sex workers in Rwanda is estimated at more than 45%, meaning one in every two sex workers has HIV. HIV prevalence among female sex workers is about 18 times greater than the general population, whose prevalence stands at 2.5%. Income generating projects mean the women are less dependent on sex work, enabling them to accept clients only when they feel safe while giving them the agency to insist on use of condoms. Dressmaking and bead work are some of the skills taught to the women, who go on to produce great products for sale in Rwanda and beyond.