WODA Celebrates 10 Years, Calls for Decriminalization of Sex Work

The Women of Dignity Alliance (WODA), an advocacy organization committed to empowering young women and marginalized groups in the slum communities of Jamestown and surrounding areas, has marked its 10th anniversary with a bold call for the decriminalization of sex work in Ghana.

The milestone event, held in Jamestown, Accra, brought together Queen Mothers, Assembly Members, and opinion leaders in a show of solidarity with WODA’s mission to uplift vulnerable women through entrepreneurship, advocacy, and rights-based education.

Speaking at the launch, Executive Director of WODA, Ms. Susana Dartey, appealed to government and law enforcement agencies to reconsider the criminalization of commercial sex work, which she described as a major barrier to effective outreach and support.

“Our advocacy and sensitization efforts are constantly hampered by the stigma and fear of arrest that prevent many young women engaged in sex work from participating in our programs,” Ms. Dartey said. “The law, as it stands, targets women disproportionately, while ignoring the men involved. This approach must change.”

Ms. Dartey stressed the need for a more compassionate and inclusive strategy—one that replaces condemnation with education and empowerment to help young women exit the streets safely and with dignity. While affirming WODA’s respect for the law, she called for enforcement to be handled with sensitivity to reduce stigmatization and support rehabilitation.

She also reiterated WODA’s continued commitment to support sensitization and advocacy initiatives, whenever needed.

A Decade of Impact

Sharing the organization’s success story, Ms. Dartey highlighted that since WODA’s inception in 2012, it has significantly impacted the lives of young women and marginalized individuals who lacked the means to speak out against sexual abuse and domestic violence.

“WODA implements a comprehensive year-long empowerment program structured around three key components. The first is Advocacy Training, which empowers young women with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves and others. The second component is Economic Empowerment, providing participants with vocational training and entrepreneurial skills to support sustainable livelihoods.

The third component focuses on Capacity Building, through which WODA collaborates with organizations such as the AWDF-KASA Project, AMPLIFY CHANGE, RED UMBRELLA, the Global Fund GC7, and UNAIDS to strengthen the impact and reach of its initiatives,” she explained.

Community Support and Gratitude

Chairperson for the event, Naa Obeye Dromo I, Queen Mother of the Mamprobi Traditional Area, praised Ms. Dartey and the WODA team for their life-changing work in underserved communities. She, along with other dignitaries, pledged their continued support for WODA’s efforts.

One beneficiary, Miss Rose Hammond, shared her journey of transformation, crediting WODA for helping her acquire skills in makeup artistry and secure a job as a teaching assistant. “WODA gave me a voice and a skill,” she said. “I am grateful for everything they’ve done for me and others.”

Other beneficiaries echoed her sentiments and encouraged young women in similar circumstances to participate in the anniversary activities and programs.

As WODA celebrates a decade of resilience, empowerment, and impact, the call for legal reform signals a bold step in its ongoing mission to protect and uplift vulnerable women across Ghana.

By Margaret Esaah Boakye