In Uganda, 42% of all pregnancies each year are unintended. The country's weak economy is exacerbated by high levels of gender inequality and poor access jobs for women. Many women turn to sex work to support themselves and their families. However since sex-work is illegal they are at high risk of abuse and often rape. Abortion is heavily restricted in Uganda and clandestine safe services are very costly. This results in further poverty for many sex workers and sometimes unplanned pregnancies or even death from unsafe abortion.

Lady Mermaid’s Bureau - a local grassroots organisation - has been funded by the SAAF to empower sex workers with the legal support and reproductive health services that they need to be able to make informed decisions.