Grantee-Partners Map
In the 10 years since our launch in 2012, Red Umbrella Fund has given 279 grants to 180 organisations in 68 countries. Every year we share our list of grants including the names of the grantee-partner organisations that request to be published on our website. Organisations that wish to stay anonymous do not have their name or country publicly available. Please contact us if you would like to contact any of our former-grantees or discuss their work.
In 2022 Red Umbrella Fund’s PAC awarded €1,300,000 – our first time giving more than a million in a single year – bringing total grants to €7,886,500!
| Organisation Name | Country | Region | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
Uganda Network of Sex Worker-Led Organisations (UNESO)
Uganda Network of Sex Worker-Led Organisations (UNESO)Uganda National English This network was established in 2015 to develop a common vision and mission among sex worker-led organisations across Uganda. It creates safe spaces where sex workers can convene in a country with high levels of violence against sex workers and LGBTQ people. UNESO maps sex worker organisations in rural areas and provides leadership, fundraising, and financial management training for sex workers. Learn more
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Uganda | Africa | 2021 |
Africa Sex Worker Alliance
Africa Sex Worker AllianceKenya international English This sex worker-led African regional network was created in 2009 and is based in Nairobi, Kenya. The Africa Sex Worker Alliance (ASWA) has sex worker-led organisations as members in 35 African countries. The network amplifies the voices of their sex worker members and advocates for the health and human rights of the diverse community of sex workers working and living in Africa. ASWA intends to use its grant to continue its advocacy in the region and continue to strengthen itself as a network. Learn more
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Kenya | Africa | 2022 |
Hommes pour les Droits et la Santé Sexuelle (HODSAS)
Hommes pour les Droits et la Santé Sexuelle (HODSAS)Democratic Republic of the Congo National French HODSAS is an organisation for sex workers operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo. HODSAS supports its members in managing their health. With this grant, HODSAS will organise trainings on sexual health and rights, distribute sanitary pads and organise radio shows on sexual health and rights and family planning in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn more
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Democratic Republic of the Congo | Africa | 2021 |
African Sex Worker Alliance (ASWA)
African Sex Worker Alliance (ASWA)Regional Network - Kenya Based International English This sex worker-led African regional network was created in 2009 and is based in Nairobi, Kenya. The Africa Sex Worker Alliance (ASWA) has more than 70 sex worker-led organisations as members in 33 African countries. The network amplifies the voices of their sex worker members and advocates for the health and human rights of the diverse community of sex workers working and living in Africa. ASWA intends to use its grant to create a capacity scan to be used in modelling future trainings for sex worker-led organisations in 5 African countries. Learn more
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Regional Network - Kenya Based | Africa | 2020 |
Ohotu Diamond Women Initiative (Ohotu former WOPI)
Ohotu Diamond Women Initiative (Ohotu former WOPI)Nigeria Local, Subnational, National English This sex worker-led organisation in Lagos advocates for the human and labour rights of sex workers of all genders, sexual identities and backgrounds. The group trains sex workers on human rights and builds partnerships with local authorities to prevent and address violence against sex workers. ODWI plans to use the grant to run a media campaign to address stigma against sex workers and set up a crisis centre to respond to human rights abuses and support sex workers who have experienced violence. Learn more
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Nigeria | Africa | 2017 |
Association New Way+
Association New Way+Cameroon Local French This organisation is run by and for sex workers on the outskirts of Douala, Cameroon. Association New Way+ works to increase access to quality health care, including HIV services, for women sex workers. Working primarily at the local level, New Way+ works to mobilise sex workers to stand up against stigma and discrimination and provides information, condoms, HIV services, and referrals. The group coordinates home visits and nutitional support to people living with HIV.
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Cameroon | Africa | 2016 |
Sisonke – National Sex Worker Movement of South Africa
Sisonke – National Sex Worker Movement of South AfricaSouth Africa Local, Subnational, National English This national network of sex workers strives for the decriminalisation of sex work and for all sex workers to be treated with respect and dignity. Sisonke fosters solidarity among sex workers and advocates for better access to health services and protection from violence. The group provides HIV and human rights information through peer outreach work, builds capacity of sex workers through training, and provides legal services. Sisonke strategically works in partnership with allied organisations to strengthen its influence and participates in relevant government spaces. Learn more
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South Africa | Africa | 2016 |
Alcondoms Cameroun
Alcondoms CamerounCameroon Local, National French This group provides health and HIV services to sex workers of all genders. Alcondoms organises workshops for law enforcement, health care providers and others to promote respect for sex workers’ rights, and to address stigma and violence. The Red Umbrella Fund grant will enable the group to develop advocacy material such as a documentary about the experiences of sex workers in Cameroon. Learn more
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Cameroon | Africa | 2015 |
Women of Power Initiative (WOPI)
Women of Power Initiative (WOPI)Nigeria Local English This emerging group of sex workers includes many migrants in the capital city of Lagos. WOPI runs a nightly outreach programme, offering HIV testing and counselling services. The group also trains sex workers in leadership skills and builds their knowledge on sexual and human rights advocacy as a strategy to counter violence and abuse.
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Nigeria | Africa | 2013 |
Sisonke – National Sex Worker Movement of South Africa
Sisonke – National Sex Worker Movement of South AfricaSouth Africa Local, Subnational, National English This group strives for the recognition of sex work as work and for all sex workers to be treated with respect and dignity. Sisonke fosters solidarity among sex workers, provides educational support and legal services and advocates for better access to health and protection from violence. The Red Umbrella Fund grant contributes to the organisation’s progress towards becoming an independent and united movement, led by sex workers and for all sex workers across South Africa. Learn more
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South Africa | Africa | 2014 |
Ohotu Diamond Women Initiative (Ohotu formerly WOPI)
Ohotu Diamond Women Initiative (Ohotu formerly WOPI)Nigeria Local, Subnational, National English WOPI is the only visible, self-led group of sex workers in Nigeria. The organisation supports female sex workers mobilizing for their rights in the capital Lagos and organizes rallies and media campaigns for decriminalisation. They have been expanding their activities to other parts of the country and are increasing their influence at national level where they advocate for longer-term improvement of sex workers’ living and working condition and the recognition of their human rights. Learn more
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Nigeria | Africa | 2014 |
Kenya Sex Workers Alliance (KESWA)
Kenya Sex Workers Alliance (KESWA)Kenya National English This national network of sex workers works with and connects 35 sex worker-led organisations in Kenya to improve their skills and knowledge on topics such as organisational development, fundraising and human rights policy advocacy. KESWA organises campaigns to influence law and policy makers at national level to decriminalise sex work and improve living and working conditions for sex workers and end the high levels of violence against sex workers. Learn more
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Kenya | Africa | 2014 |
African Sex Worker Alliance (ASWA)
African Sex Worker Alliance (ASWA)Regional Network - Kenya Based International English This regional network unites sex worker groups from 11 countries and seeks to expand its membership to include all countries on the African continent. It provides strategic advice, networking opportunities, capacity-building tools and financial support to local sex workers’ groups that work to improve their access to health services and labour rights. Its membership includes groups working with women, men and trans sex workers. ASWA represents sex workers’ interest in regional and international processes and platforms. Learn more
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Regional Network - Kenya Based | Africa | 2013 |
Parapli Rouz
Parapli RouzMauritius National English This group of sex workers is active in Port Louis, Mauritius. The group unites sex workers of diverse ethnic background and includes those living with HIV and those that use drugs. Parapli Rouz conducts outreach with sex workers on HIV prevention, and mobilises them to challenge stigma and police violence. Learn more
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Mauritius | Africa | 2015 |
Alcondoms Cameroun
Alcondoms CamerounCameroon Local, National French Alcondoms was established in 2012 in response to the harmful legal and policy environment for sex workers in Cameroon. This sex worker-led group promotes the human and labour rights of sex workers and works to increase sex workers’ access to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, STI and tuberculosis screening, and counselling services. Alcondoms is located in the outskirts of Douala and directly serves the high concentration of sex workers in the area, which are often not reached by other local and national service providers. Learn more
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Cameroon | Africa | 2017 |
Nigeria Sex Workers Association (NSWA)
Nigeria Sex Workers Association (NSWA)Nigeria National English This national network of sex workers in Nigeria provides trainings to build the capacity of its 24 member organisations. This group particularly works on reducing violence from the police by educating sex workers on how to document abuse when they face it and by organising workshops with police officers on respect for human rights. NSWA provides trainings to sex workers to build self-esteem and public-speaking skills so that sex workers can speak out more effectively in national and international forums. Learn more
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Nigeria | Africa | 2018 |
Kenya Sex Workers Alliance (KESWA)
Kenya Sex Workers Alliance (KESWA)Kenya National English This national network unites and represents sex worker-led organisations in all 47 counties of Kenya. KESWA organises media boot camps and builds leadership skills of its members. The network trains sex workers as paralegals and human rights defenders to improve sex workers’ access to justice. KESWA is working towards a strategic litigation case to decriminalize sex work in the country and is developing a security plan to address violence against sex workers. Learn more
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Kenya | Africa | 2019 |
Pow Wow
Pow WowZimbabwe Local, National English This local group of sex workers of all genders was created in 2014. It is a founding member of the national network of sex workers in the country and a member of the regional network, the African Sex Workers Alliance. Pow Wow led the successful effort to outlaw solicitation arrests of female sex workers and aims to expand the ruling to apply to all genders. The group conducts peer outreach and holds themed bi-weekly dialogues with sex workers to foster solidarity among the diverse sex workers that it brings together. Learn more
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Zimbabwe | Africa | 2019 |
Uganda Network of Sex Worker-Led Organisations (UNESO)
Uganda Network of Sex Worker-Led Organisations (UNESO)Uganda National English This network was established in 2015 to develop a common vision and mission among sex worker-led organisations across Uganda. It creates safe spaces where sex workers can convene in a country with high levels of violence against sex workers and LGBTQ people. UNESO maps sex worker organisations in rural areas and provides leadership, fundraising, and financial management training for sex workers. By arranging meetings with government officials, UNESO works to ensure national policies align with the UN campaign to “Leave No One Behind”. Learn more
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Uganda | Africa | 2019 |
Women of Dignity Alliance
Women of Dignity AllianceGhana Local, National English This sex worker-led group established in 2012 works to provide female sex workers in Ghana, with a network of peer support, so that they can boldly and confidently claim their rights. To do so, the group builds the capacity of its members and work with law enforcement to diminish abuse from the police. Learn more
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Ghana | Africa | 2021 |
Tiyane Vavassate
Tiyane VavassateMozambique Local English Created in 2011, this emerging group brings together sex workers of all genders from three provinces of Mozambique to improve the human rights of sex workers, and end violence and discrimination. The group builds knowledge of sex workers in areas of sexual and reproductive health and human rights, and trains them to become advocates for their own rights. With the Red Umbrella Fund grant, the group will develop its organisational structures and capacities.
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Mozambique | Africa | 2013 |
Sisonke – National Sex Worker Movement of South Africa
Sisonke – National Sex Worker Movement of South AfricaSouth Africa Local English Operating in seven provinces of South Africa, the organisation is building an independent and self-led movement of sex workers. Sisonke provides information to sex workers on accessing social services, such as health care, and on working with the police and court system. The group offers workshops on sexual health, leadership and human rights. Learn more
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South Africa | Africa | 2012 |
Movement for Vulnerability and Empowerment (MOVE)
Movement for Vulnerability and Empowerment (MOVE)Sierra Leone Local English Led by sex workers who are women, this recently established organisation advocates for improved access to health care, particularly in relation to sexual and reproductive health. MOVE has a focus on combating violence, and engages political and religious leaders to educate them about the experiences of sex workers.
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Sierra Leone | Africa | 2012 |
Aids Acodev Cameroun
Aids Acodev CamerounCameroon Local French This association of sex workers mainly operates in Douala, Cameroon’s main industrial and harbor city. The group provides health and HIV information and services to sex workers of all genders. Aids Acodev reaches out to potential allies and the media to bring attention to the stigma, discrimination, and rights violations that sex workers face.
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Cameroon | Africa | 2012 |
Action Humanitaire pour la Sante et le Developpement (AHUSADEC)
Action Humanitaire pour la Sante et le Developpement (AHUSADEC)Democratic Republic of the Congo Local French The Bukavu branch of AHUSADEC is a sex worker-led group that operates in Kivu province. It provides a safe space for sex workers where it offers health information and documents cases of violence which it brings to police and court. Through radio shows the group aims to promote its work and educate the public about human rights.
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Democratic Republic of the Congo | Africa | 2012 |
Feminist Action Development Ambition (FADA)
Feminist Action Development Ambition (FADA)Rwanda national English Feminist Action Development Ambition (FADA) was founded in 2015 by Sex Workers and Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans and Queer individuals to serve their communities in Rwanda facing discrimination and Human Rights abuses. With this grant from Red Umbrella Fund, the organisation will continue its advocacy and celebrate International Sex Workers’ Day and World AIDS Day among others. Learn more
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Rwanda | Africa | 2022 |
Parapli Rouz
Parapli RouzMauritius local, national English Parapli Rouz builds sex workers? knowledge and skills on human rights and advocacy with the aim to have sex work recognised as work in Mauritius. The organisation also provides legal support to sex workers to protect their right to carry condoms and to be able to maintain custody of their children; and offers peer education and HIV testing among sex workers across the island with their outreach caravan. Learn more
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Mauritius | Africa | 2022 |
Tikondane CBO
Tikondane CBOMalawi local, subnational English Selling sex is legal in Malawi. However, there is a law against “any common prostitute behaving in a disorderly or indecent manner in any public place” and vagrancy laws used against sex workers. In its work, Tikondane aims to support female sex workers by increasing access to quality healthcare, social and legal support, information and sustainable systems of livelihood. With this grant, Tikondane aims to organise sensitisation activities and develop information, education and communication materials for the community.
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Malawi | Africa | 2022 |
Women Against All forms of Discrimination (WAAD)
Women Against All forms of Discrimination (WAAD)Zimbabwe national English Formed in 2015, Women Against All forms of Discrimination (WAAD) is a national individual membership organisation. WAAD has provincial structures in all ten provinces of Zimbabwe. With this grant and amongst others, the organisation aims to continue its advocacy with national stakeholders, distribute sanitary pads and celebrate international women’s day and international sex workers’ day. Learn more
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Zimbabwe | Africa | 2022 |
$carlet Timor Kollectivu
$carlet Timor KollectivuTimor Leste National English This national sex workers’ collective works to improve sex workers’ access to HIV and increase recognition of their human rights, including the right to fair working conditions, and freedom from violence and police harassment. $TK represents sex workers of all genders in government decision-making spaces and civil society, particularly with regard to HIV. Learn more
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Timor Leste | Asia/Pacific | 2015 |
EMPOWER Chiang Mai
EMPOWER Chiang MaiThailand Local, National, International English The sex worker organisation Empower Chiang Mai builds leadership capacity among Thai and migrant sex workers and advocates for safe and healthy work conditions. Created in 1985, the group is well connected nationally and internationally and known for its creative activism. Empower runs a museum called “This is Us” aimed at educating the public and has produced books and films. The group facilitates exchanges between sex workers in the region and campaigns for the decriminalisation of sex work. Learn more
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Thailand | Asia/Pacific | 2016 |
EMPOWER Chiang Mai
EMPOWER Chiang MaiThailand Local, National, International English The sex worker-led organisation Empower Chiang Mai working with women sex workers and particularly migrant women sex workers, advocates for safe working conditions. Created in 1985, the group is well connected nationally and internationally and is known for its creative activism. The group also runs a museum to educate the public on sex workers’ rights. Learn more
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Thailand | Asia/Pacific | 2020 |
Hong Kong Transgender Migrant Service Workers Network (HKTGMSWN)
Hong Kong Transgender Migrant Service Workers Network (HKTGMSWN)Hong Kong Local English This emerging group in Hong Kong reaches out to migrant transgender sex workers with HIV and STI prevention information, legal support, and human rights capacity-building support, provided by peer educators. The group combats stigma and discrimination faced by transgender sex workers through public awareness campaigns. The ‘Don’t Cut my Hair Campaign’ addresses the humiliation faced by trans women in prisons in Hong Kong who are ordinarily placed in the men’s department and forced to cut their hair short.
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Hong Kong | Asia/Pacific | 2013 |
HIV/AIDS Research and Welfare Centre (HARC)
HIV/AIDS Research and Welfare Centre (HARC)Bangladesh Local, National English HARC represents over 5,000 women sex workers mainly in the capital city Dhaka. The group works to improve sex workers’ health by conducting peer outreach and condom distribution, building sex workers’ knowledge on HIV and STIs and by providing referrals to services. The group builds sex workers’ skills in human rights advocacy and collaborates with the National Human Rights Commission and other allies to lobby for changes in laws and policies that negatively impact on sex workers’ lives. Learn more
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Bangladesh | Asia/Pacific | 2021 |
HIV/AIDS Research and Welfare Centre (HARC)
HIV/AIDS Research and Welfare Centre (HARC)Bangladesh Local, National English HARC represents over 5,000 women sex workers mainly in the capital city Dhaka. The group works to improve sex workers’ health by conducting peer outreach and condom distribution, building sex workers’ knowledge on HIV and STIs and by providing referrals to services. The group builds sex workers’ skills in human rights advocacy and collaborates with the National Human Rights Commission and other allies to lobby for changes in laws and policies that negatively impact on sex workers’ lives. They were featured for their COVID-19 response on Australian TV: https://www.dw.com/en/covid-19-special-bangladeshs-sex-workers/av-59050940 Learn more
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Bangladesh | Asia/Pacific | 2019 |
HIV/AIDS Research and Welfare Centre (HARC)
HIV/AIDS Research and Welfare Centre (HARC)Bangladesh Local, National English This sex worker-led group promotes sex workers’ safety, health, and human rights by mobilising the community and organising capacity-building opportunities for sex workers. HARC provides referrals to HIV and sexual and reproductive health services. The group also challenges laws and policies that are harmful to sex workers. Building on the knowledge and experience gained through the group’s previous Red Umbrella Fund grant, HARC plans to use this grant to build the capacity of five local sex worker groups in five major cities of Bangladesh to address human rights violations and promote respect for sex workers. Learn more
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Bangladesh | Asia/Pacific | 2017 |
Petubuhan Advokasi Masayrakat Terpinggir (PAMT)
Petubuhan Advokasi Masayrakat Terpinggir (PAMT)Malaysia Local, Subnational, National English Established in 2011, this organisation supports sex workers’ access to health care through peer education, condom distribution and referrals to health and social services. The group supports sex workers in setting up their own support groups, and aims to improve the living and working conditions of sex workers in the country. With the Red Umbrella Fund grant, PAMT will set up a crisis response team to support sex workers who face violence, exploitation, and arrest.
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Malaysia | Asia/Pacific | 2013 |
Vietnam Network of Sex Workers (VNSW)
Vietnam Network of Sex Workers (VNSW)Vietnam Local, National English This network unites female sex workers who are organised in peer support groups in 16 provinces. It aims to represent the voice of sex workers at national level to improve laws, policies, and practices that impact on sex workers’ lives. Sex workers benefit from the trainings in computer, fundraising and management skills organised by the network. Established in 2012, the network is developing its first strategic plan with support from the Red Umbrella Fund. Learn more
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Vietnam | Asia/Pacific | 2013 |
Jagriti Mahila Mahasangha (JMM)
Jagriti Mahila Mahasangha (JMM)Nepal Local, Subnational, National English This network unites 27 community-based organisations of women sex workers in 22 districts of Nepal. JMMS raises awareness among sex workers about HIV and works to end violence against sex workers perpetrated by police, institutions, clients and intimate partners. The network provides legal counselling to sex workers and supports them with filing complaints with the police. At the national level, JMMS engages in CEDAW reporting processes and advocates against laws and policies that discriminate against sex workers and criminalise them.
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Nepal | Asia/Pacific | 2018 |
Sex Workers Network Bangladesh (SWNOB)
Sex Workers Network Bangladesh (SWNOB)Bangladesh Local, Subnational, National English This national network unites 29 member organisations representing sex workers of all genders and different localities in Bangladesh. The group aims to strengthen its member organisations by building their leadership capacities. SWNOB works with community leaders and the media to raise awareness about the human rights of sex workers, and takes action against brothel evictions and violence from law enforcement institutions. SWNOB advocates at the national level for the inclusion of sex workers in the country’s social security strategy Learn more
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Bangladesh | Asia/Pacific | 2018 |