A Peruvian Sex Worker is Running for a Seat in Parliament and Here’s Why

Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez - 01/13/16 - #mitúWORLD

Ángela Villón has been a sex worker and activist in Perú for the past 30 years.

But, in April, Villón hopes to add legislator to her résumé.

That’s right. Villón wants to be a member of Parliament.

READ: Vultures in Peru are Warning Residents of the Impact of Their Garbage

You’re probably thinking:

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Credit: Supernatural / CW / allthesupernaturalgifs / Tumblr

In her time as a sex worker, she has been the victim of abuse from both clients and the police. Villón wants to pass legislation that would curb violence against women.

“I’m looking to combat violence against women through education, a violence that starts when we are girls and it gets worse as we grow up,” Villón said about why she is running. “In the case of prostitutes, it’s unimaginable. The politicians aren’t interested.”

She is hoping to be a beacon of hope for Peruvian women who are being abused by their husbands or clients.

Villón is the founder of Miluska, Vida y Dignidad, Perú’s first organization fighting for sex workers who are the victims of abuse. According to the Associated Press, 95 women in Perú were killed by their partners last year, while another 186 suffered attacks by knives, guns, beatings, and strangulation.

READ: Mexican TV Co-Host is Sexually Harassed Live on Camera, but It Might Not Be What You Think

Will she win? Only time will tell, but it’s clear that Villón is serious about changing the culture of violence against women in Perú.

#yougogirl

(H/T: AJ+)

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