Ishtar Lakhani

Ishtar Lakhani is a South African feminist, human rights activist and advocate for the rights of sex workers. Quotes “I think you can smash the capitalist patriarchy with many different tools and using a range of emotions. I think you can use empathy to smash it. You can use kindness; you can also use anger. For me as a card-carrying feminist, I think women have showed for generations that there is a better way of existing. Not only in relation to each other, but in relation to our environment, in relation to our communities. An understanding of the world that is not grounded in capitalism, that is more grounded in community and relationship-building.” Daily Maverick “I think, too often, activists are very good at saying what we don’t want. We’re very good at saying: this is unjust, that is problematic, this policy must go. But do we actually take a moment to really imagine what we would like the world to be like? What it smells like; what it feels like; how we engage with each other?” Daily Maverick “So, I think a lot of the time it’s difficult for people to have empathy. People don’t understand what they don’t feel. So, for example, a few years ago, we [SWEAT] were in Parliament and one of the MPs was talking about something. And he used the term ‘prostitute’, which is not an acceptable term at all. It’s incredibly derogatory. And instead of us saying something to correct him, another MP nudged him and was like: ‘We don’t use that word. Sex worker, it’s sex worker.’ Obviously, this MP had been speaking to members of SWEAT. And for us, that was a huge win.” Daily Maverick “It really is difficult work. Getting up every day to do this is hard, but my optimism is helpful. Seeing change happen, slowly but surely. There’s always a sliver of optimism to be found.” Daily Maverick “Humour is one of the most effective tools in our activist arsenal, because it has the ability to bring people together from a space of shared connection rather than fear.” OpenGlobalRights “The legislative, policy and narrative changes have been important. However, equally important has been the impact of this approach for those on the frontlines of human rights defence. These interventions required thought, creativity and risk. Long hours of making props, doing research and sneaking around in the middle of the night. But I say again, it was some of the most fun I have ever had as a human rights defender.” Sur – International Journal on Human Rights “This combination is something that I strive for because when done just right, for a brief moment, we are able to create and live in the world of our dreams.” Sur – International Journal on Human Rights “We will continue to be guided by our desire to live free from discrimination, prejudice and violence and not fall prey to unsubstantiated opinions. In our call for the full decriminalisation of sex work, we will remain steadfast with the facts and realities of sex workers’ lives.” Bhekisisa External links Category:South African women Category:Feminists Category:Human rights activists Category:Sex worker rights activists Category:Living people