Visibilizing the economic oppression of sex workers and the imperative of donor support

Abstract

Sex workers worldwide continue to face violence and barriers to accessing economic rights due to stigma, discrimination and criminalization. In the face of economic exclusion, sex worker rights organizations have mobilized the limited resources available to create economic empowerment programs within their communities to support sex workers' economic security and independence. In this article, we develop a concept of economic empowerment in the context of sex work. Based on community-led research by the Global Network of Sex Work Projects and panel contributions from sex workers and their allies at the NGO forum during the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, we provide examples of more sustainable and rights-based alternatives to programs focusing on rehabilitation and 'exiting' the industry. While more support and funding for sex worker-led programs is needed, political advocacy for sex workers' rights must also be supported so that sex workers can access economic and social rights on an equal basis with other workers. We conclude that strong allyship between the women's movement and the sex workers' rights movement must continue to encourage greater inclusion of sex workers in discussions about feminist economic justice.