Lala Maty Sow
Lala Maty Sow is an activist leader, Senegalese sex worker. I have been in the response to HIV since 1995. I started as a relay, a peer educator within a sex worker support organization called AWA.After my studies, I took training in organizational management, therapeutic education at the Ambulatory Center in Thiès and support for my peers. I was a health mediator at the level of the South health district from 2003-2017. I was the South District supervisor for the national vulnerability mapping survey organized by the CNLS in 2016. I also participated in the development of the regional strategic model for key populations on HIV. And also participate in the revision of the national strategic plan on HIV in Senegal. I participated in many conferences (CSW, Icasa, AfriVIh, Aids, etc. ..)Lala Maty Sow is 50 years old, married and mother of 4 boys. I like reading, discoveries and travels
Senegalese law prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, citizenship, political opinion, gender, disability, language, HIV+ status, and social status. However, discrimination is widespread and laws regarding discrimination are rarely, if ever, enforced. Women HRDs face particular risks of sexual harassment and gender based violence. Those advocating against female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) face a hostile work environment in the more conservative regions.
Furthermore, same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Senegal thus rendering the environment for human rights defenders working on LGBTI+ rights particularly hostile. They are harassed for their work and some are subject to physical attacks in more conservative cities such as Tuba. Homophobic speeches from religious leaders have increased the risks faced by HRDs and some had to leave the country for their safety.
