International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers encourages people to fight against the cruelty often experienced by sex workers. The problem has been relevant for many years. So far, the horrendous and sometimes shocking practices against women in prostitution have not been eradicated. Join the movement to fight discrimination!

History

Holiday founded by Sex Workers’ Rights Advocacy Network, SWAN. The organization has a simple mission: to abolish the unjust penal system, stop the violence and reduce the risks of workers to zero. They were the first to raise the topic to a global scale and promote it every year. This applies to clients receiving services, the police, pimps, and anyone else who comes into contact with the profession.

The main symbol of the movement is a red umbrella. It appeared for the first time in 2001 at the Congress of Sex Workers in Venice and became an indestructible symbol of the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. In 2005, the iconic accessory was accepted by the International Committee on the Rights of Prostitutes in Europe.

In the same year, the idea of ​​a march using a bright umbrella appeared – not only workers in the sphere, but also not indifferent people took part in it. The event takes place not only in America, but also in other countries. Every year there are more and more of them, security is gradually increasing.

Interesting facts

Amazing Moments:

• the theme of prostitution can be traced in the Bible. Even non-religious people know who Mary Magdalene is;
• in 1230, a special street appeared in London where you could find a girl for one night;
• the profession is mentioned a huge number of times in the most ancient historical sources;
• today a person has the right to choose his job, earlier girls were in the sex industry against their will. This can be clearly seen 200 years ago, when society was patriarchal.

How to celebrate

If a similar march takes place in your city, take part in it! In the absence of mass events, take a red umbrella and go for a walk alone. Support the movement on social media – violence must not flourish!

When is International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers celebrated in 2022?

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is observed on December 17 each year.

Observations