At least 80 former commercial sex workers in Nyamabuye Sector, Muhanga District, are engaging in development activities, with many building stable, happy families.Tired of leading a reckless life, with no hope for the future, the former ladies of the night now claim to have got a new lease of life, having ventured into fish farming and taken on cleaning contracts in Muhanga town.The women, grouped under their association Tubureke, started quitting the trade six years ago and some have since married.The members, besides fish farming, have won a contract to clean the town of Muhanga, for which they are paid Rwf1 million monthly.Devote Mukagasana, 29, is married with three children. She told The New Times during an interview that she regrets the time she spent engaging in prostitution.“It was a horrible life. I spent many nights in police cells. I was despised by my family, but thank God I am where I am today,” said Mukagasana.Through their association, the women have bought a commercial house worth Rwf15 which they rent out.Alphonse Bizimana, who married Mukagasana three years ago, says he has no regrets because he believes a former sex worker can be transform into a good wife.“I did not hesitate to marry her despite knowing her history as a former sex worker. She has grown to become an adoring wife and I am very proud of her,” says Bizimana, 62.Colette Murekatete, the head of the association, is impressed by their achievements so far and has urged other commercial sex workers to quit and embark on developmental activities.Jean Baptiste Mugunga, the Executive Secretary of Nyamabuye Sector, said sex workers are known to shelter delinquents in any society and that they were relieved to get such a big number out of the ‘trade’.
