Implementing Comprehensive HIV/STI Programmes with Sex Workers Implementing Comprehensive HIV/STI Programmes with | Page 85

3 Community-led Services

• a distribution point for condoms and lubricant
• a place to strengthen community empowerment by discussing discrimination and stigma against
the community and planning a response
• a place for community outreach workers to review their work and plan outreach
• a place for community trainings (of community outreach workers, but also of other sex workers,
e.g. in violence response, power analysis).
Safe spaces may be located close to programme-operated STI clinics, or even in the same building.
There are practical advantages to co-locating safe spaces with clinics, such as the convenience of
dealing with just one landlord, and the closer links between community activities and programme
services. Nevertheless, care should be taken to ensure that safe spaces remain a distinct community
area. It is often important to separate an implementing organization’s office from the safe space and
ensure that community leaders have clear responsibility for managing activities at the safe space.

3.3.1 Establishing safe spaces
Setting up the space
1. Sex worker consultation and mapping: The consultation provides guidance on where to locate
the safe space, services to be provided, staffing and service hours. Services should be available
when sex workers most need them, i.e. shortly before, during and shortly after their working
hours with clients.
2. Location: The choice of location should take into consideration not only its accessibility to sex
workers but also its visibility to the public and the response from the wider (non-sex worker)
community in the vicinity. Care should be taken to ensure that the space is safe from intrusion
by outsiders and the police.
3. Lease agreements and landlords: Maintaining a fixed location for the safe space is important
to prevent disruption of services. The lease drawn up with the landlord should clearly state the
duration of the agreement and clarify the hours and nature of use.
4. Infrastructure and safety: The safe space should ideally have at least two rooms: one that can
be used for one-on-one meetings or counselling, and one for community activities. If possible,
there should be a private bathroom with a sink and shower (Figure 3.9). The safe space should
be equipped with basic equipment to handle fires and other emergencies.
5. Designing the space: The space should be both functional and inviting. Meeting tables and chairs
may be kept to one side unless in use; couches or mattresses can make the room comfortable.
Walls may be painted or decorated with art made by the community.

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