Documenting sexual and gender-based violence experienced by Spanish and creole speaking female migrant sex workers in Suriname.

Invisible Voices: Documenting Gender-Based Violence Among Migrant Sex Workers in Suriname

In the heart of Suriname, a complex and often silenced reality persists. Spanish and Creole-speaking migrant women engaged in sex work find themselves at a crossroads of vulnerabilities, exposing them to alarming levels of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

A Reality at the Intersection

Migration, language barriers, and the stigma associated with sex work create fertile ground for abuse. By documenting these experiences, we are not just recording facts; we are validating lives that the system often chooses to ignore.

• Language Barriers: For women who only speak Spanish or Creole, reporting abuse becomes an inescapable maze due to the lack of translators and trained personnel in health and justice services.
• Migratory Vulnerability: The fear of deportation is frequently used by aggressors as a tool for control and silence.
• Limited Access to Health: Documenting these violences reveals that many women do not seek medical attention after an assault for fear of discrimination or legal retaliation.

Why Documentation is Vital

The systematic documentation of gender-based violence is not merely an academic exercise. It is a tool for policy advocacy. Only through real data and protected testimonies can we:

1. Design medical care protocols that respect linguistic diversity.
2. Push for legal reforms that protect workers regardless of their migratory status.
3. Sensitize Surinamese society about the humanity and fundamental rights of these women.

Building Bridges, Saving Lives

At organizations like Stg. Building Bridges Suriname (SBBSL), we understand that our name is not just a label; it is our mandate. We must build bridges of communication and protection that reach every corner where a woman feels in danger.

“Breaking the silence is the first step toward justice. By documenting violence, we take power away from the aggressor and give it back to the survivor.”

How Can You Help?

If you witness abuse or want to support our protection and documentation initiatives, please contact us:

Foundation: sbbsl.su@gmail.comes Invisibles: Documentando la Violencia de Género en Trabajadoras Sexuales Migrantes en Surinam

Institutional Email: info@sbbsl.org

Foundation: sbbsl.su@gmail.com