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 |
|---|---|---|---|
$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 |
Adarsha
AdarshaIndia Local English This community-led organisation of male and trans* sex workers supports sex workers to access health services, social housing schemes, an identity card and other social services. The group mobilizes sex workers and allies to improve laws, policies and practices around sex work, homosexuality, and gender identity.
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India | Asia/Pacific | 2014 |
Adarsha
AdarshaIndia Local English This organisation aims to increase social acceptance for men and transwomen sex workers and to secure their fundamental rights as citizens of India. Adarsha works primarily at the local level and contributes to national and international advocacy efforts. The group supports sex workers to access health and general social services through peer outreach work and referrals and builds sex workers’ leadership skills.
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India | Asia/Pacific | 2016 |
Adarsha
AdarshaIndia National English This organisation works to increase social acceptance for men and transwomen sex workers in India, and to secure their fundamental rights as citizens. Adarsha is active at the local level in Mysore and other districts in the state of Karnataka, and contributes to national advocacy efforts. The group supports sex workers to access health and general social services through peer outreach work and referrals, and builds sex workers’ leadership skills. Adarsha mobilises sex workers and allies to improve laws, policies and practices around sex work, homosexuality and gender identity.
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India | Asia/Pacific | 2018 |
Ashraya
AshrayaIndia Local, Subnational English This community-based organisation in the Indian state of Karnataka was created in 2007 to address the specific needs of sex workers living with HIV. Ashraya provides a safe space for sex workers living with HIV to connect, access health and social services, and benefit from alternative income generating activities and other economic empowerment services. The group works with sex workers of all genders. Ashraya amplifies the voices of sex workers living with HIV in decision-making spaces and campaigns for legal reforms in India to improve the human rights of sex workers living with HIV.
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India | Asia/Pacific | 2017 |
Ashraya
AshrayaIndia Local, Subnational English This organisation was established in 2007 to support and represent sex workers living with HIV in India. Most of its members and activities are in the state of Karnataka. The group builds human rights awareness among its community and works with sex workers, health care providers and government officials to improve sex workers’ access to HIV and other health and social services. Ashraya works with the Ministry of Women and Child Development to improve access to housing and income supplements.
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India | Asia/Pacific | 2019 |
Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW)
Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW)Regional Network - Thailand based International English This regional network has 36 active organisational members in 28 countries that work together to promote the human rights of sex workers of all genders in Asia and the Pacific. APNSW conducts advocacy with regional intergovernmental bodies and the United Nations. The network provides training and technical support to its members on human rights, quality HIV and health services, setting up sex worker-led legal services and developing advocacy strategies. Learn more
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Regional Network - Thailand based | Asia/Pacific | 2016 |
Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW)
Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW)Regional Network - Thailand based International English This regional network has 32 active organisational members in 23 countries that work together to promote the human rights of sex workers of all genders in Asia and the Pacific. APNSW conducts advocacy with regional intergovernmental bodies and the United Nations. The network provides training and technical support to its members on human rights, quality HIV and health services, setting up sex worker-led legal services and developing advocacy strategies. Learn more
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Regional Network - Thailand based | Asia/Pacific | 2019 |
Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW)
Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW)Regional Network - Thailand based International English This regional network has 32 active organisational members in 23 countries that work together to promote the human rights of sex workers of all genders in Asia and the Pacific. APNSW conducts advocacy with regional intergovernmental bodies and the United Nations. The network provides training and technical support to its members on human rights, and quality HIV and health services, sets up sex worker-led legal services, and develops advocacy strategies. Learn more
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Regional Network - Thailand based | Asia/Pacific | 2021 |
Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW)
Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW)Regional Network - Thailand based International English This regional network unites 58 sex worker organisations in 23 countries to promote the human rights of sex workers of all genders in Asia and the Pacific. APNSW conducts advocacy with regional intergovernmental bodies and the United Nations and trains its members on human rights, setting up sex worker-led legal services and developing advocacy strategies. The grant will enable APNSW to support its members in the areas of organisational development and financial management. Learn more
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Regional Network - Thailand based | Asia/Pacific | 2014 |
Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW)
Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW)Regional Network - Thailand based International English This regional network unites 54 sex worker organisations in 22 countries with the aim to improve the health and rights of sex workers of all genders in the region. APNSW trains its members on human rights and advocacy strategies, and lobbies regional inter-governmental bodies and UN agencies for improved policies and programmes that affect sex workers. This grant enables the network to strengthen its organisational financial systems and skills to enable it to grow and increase its future fundraising opportunities. Learn more
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Regional Network - Thailand based | Asia/Pacific | 2013 |
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 |
Goreto Nepal
Goreto NepalNepal Local English In a context where buying sex is criminalised, this sex worker-led organisation working in the Pokhara valley of Nepal aims to end stigma and discrimination faced by women sex workers and their children through community mobilisation, advocacy activities and alliance building.
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Nepal | Asia/Pacific | 2020 |
HIV/AIDS Research and Welfare Centre (HARC)
HIV/AIDS Research and Welfare Centre (HARC)Bangladesh Local, National English This group promotes sex workers’ safety, health and human rights by mobilising the community and organising capacity-building opportunities for sex workers. HARC monitors HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for sex workers, and challenges laws, policies and practices that are harmful to sex workers. The Red Umbrella Fund grant will enable the group to conduct city scans in Bangladesh to expand its knowledge about the situation of sex workers working in hotels, brothels, residences, and on the street. Learn more
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Bangladesh | Asia/Pacific | 2015 |
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 |
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 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 |
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 |
Indonesian Sex Workers’ Organization / Organisasi Perubahan Sosial Indonesia (OPSI)
Indonesian Sex Workers’ Organization / Organisasi Perubahan Sosial Indonesia (OPSI)Indonesia Local, National English With a presence in 19 provinces in Indonesia, this sex worker-led network provides HIV and other health services to sex workers through drop-in centres, outreach, and referrals. OPSI builds partnerships with government, service providers and HIV organisations to improve sex workers’ access to HIV and STI prevention, treatment and care services. With this grant, OPSI plans to study the impact on sex workers of brothel closures in six major Indonesian cities, and the connection between human rights violations and HIV/STI vulnerability. OPSI will use the results of this research in its advocacy work. Learn more
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Indonesia | Asia/Pacific | 2017 |
Indonesian Sex Workers’ Organization / Organisasi Perubahan Sosial Indonesia (OPSI)
Indonesian Sex Workers’ Organization / Organisasi Perubahan Sosial Indonesia (OPSI)Indonesia Local, National English This national network with members in 20 provinces of Indonesia works to uphold sex workers’ human rights. OPSI increases sex workers’ awareness of their human rights through trainings and advocates for better laws and the meaningful involvement of sex workers in processes and decisions that affect them. Learn more
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Indonesia | Asia/Pacific | 2020 |
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 |
Mahila Sahayogi Samuha
Mahila Sahayogi SamuhaNepal local English Mahila Sahayogi Samuha was set up in 2008 to address the specific needs of female sex workers in the East of Nepal. The organisation now has over 500 members and works to strengthen sex workers’ knowledge of their human rights to end stigma and violence through advocacy, alliances and community mobilisation. Learn more
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Nepal | Asia/Pacific | 2022 |
Mahila Sahayogi Samuha (MSS)
Mahila Sahayogi Samuha (MSS)Nepal Local English This local self-led organisation in the east of the country was set up in 2008 to address the specific needs of female sex workers. The group includes sex workers living with HIV and people who use drugs and the majority of its more than 300 members are illiterate. MSS works to build sex workers’ understanding of human rights. The group is connected to other sex worker groups and allies and reaches out to the local government to end stigma and violence against sex workers and increase the recognition of sex work as work among service providers and government.
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Nepal | Asia/Pacific | 2019 |
Nijgadh Mahila Samuha (NMS)
Nijgadh Mahila Samuha (NMS)Nepal local English This sex worker-led organisation formed in 2009 works locally in Nepal to strengthen the capacity of female sex workers through advocacy, leadership and networking ultimately strengthening the feminist movement as a whole.
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Nepal | Asia/Pacific | 2022 |
Pacific Rainbow Advocacy Network (PRAN)
Pacific Rainbow Advocacy Network (PRAN)Fiji Local English This sex workers’ organisation operates in Lautoka, a popular tourist destination in western Fiji. Committed to advocating for the rights of all sex workers, the group organises safe space meetings and mobilises sex workers using peer education. PRAN builds relationships with NGOs, government ministries and UN agencies to campaign for legal and policy reform.
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Fiji | Asia/Pacific | 2012 |
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 |
Sangharsha Mahila Samuha (SMS)
Sangharsha Mahila Samuha (SMS)Nepal Local, Subnational English This women-led sex worker organisation in Bhaktapur District in the east of the Kathmandu Valley was set up in 2010 to promote the health and human rights of sex workers. The group works together with other organisations to improve access for sex workers to health services including HIV and STI treatment and safe abortion services. SMS will take action during the international 16 days of activism against gender based violence campaign to address violence against sex workers.
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Nepal | Asia/Pacific | 2019 |
Sex Work; Education, Advocacy & Rights Western Australia (SWEAR-WA)
Sex Work; Education, Advocacy & Rights Western Australia (SWEAR-WA)Australia local English Sex Work; Education, Advocacy & Rights Western Australia provides peer support and referrals, trains healthcare providers and hosts peer-only special events besides lobbying for legislative change around sex work in Western Australia. With the support from Red Umbrella Fund, the organisation aims to create a handbook for sex workers covering topics such as: the state sex work legislation explained in simple language, how to work safely, tips and tricks from other West Australian sex workers, information for touring workers, and information on where to get support. Learn more
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Australia | Asia/Pacific | 2022 |
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 |
Sex Workers Network Bangladesh (SWNOB)
Sex Workers Network Bangladesh (SWNOB)Bangladesh Local English This network has 29 member organisations, representing sex workers of all genders from all over Bangladesh. The group aims to strengthen its member organisations through building their leadership capacities, and also works with community leaders and the media to raise awareness about the human rights of sex workers. Learn more
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Bangladesh | Asia/Pacific | 2012 |
Sramajibi Mahila Sangha (SMS)
Sramajibi Mahila Sangha (SMS)India Local, National English This group in West Bengal advocates for the rights of sex workers at local and national levels in India. SMS has been actively opposing a harmful new anti-trafficking bill. The group interacts with government departments to ensure access to social entitlements for sex workers and to secure their participation in advisory and decision-making bodies that address issues relevant to them and their families. The group runs 20 Self-Regulatory Boards, an effective community-led anti-trafficking mechanism that has been endorsed by the Supreme Court of India
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India | Asia/Pacific | 2018 |
Sramajibi Mahila Sangha (SMS)
Sramajibi Mahila Sangha (SMS)India local English This group in West Bengal advocates for the rights of sex workers at local and national levels in India. Sramajibi Mahila Sangha also received a grant from Red Umbrella Fund in 2018 and was very active in opposing a harmful new anti-trafficking bill. With this grant, the organisation aims to continue its advocacy and strengthen and expand its self-regulatory boards which play a crucial role in addressing trafficking in sex work.
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India | Asia/Pacific | 2022 |
Strong Ladies
Strong LadiesVietnam Local English This organisation of young trans women sex workers was established in 2013 as a local self-help group. Strong Ladies is the only organisation formed by and for trans women sex workers in Ho Chi Minh City. The group provides HIV prevention information and services to sex workers and collaborates with the Vietnam Network of Sex Workers (VNSW) to promote the human rights of sex workers. The group is expanding their health interventions for transgender sex workers and will provide consultation on sexual health via live-streams. Learn more
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Vietnam | Asia/Pacific | 2019 |
Strong Ladies
Strong LadiesVietnam Local English Established in 2013, Strong Ladies provides healthcare and carries out advocacy to promote equal rights for sex workers in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. With this grant, the group will organise media events, conduct seminars and provide health services. Learn more
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Vietnam | Asia/Pacific | 2021 |
Strumphet Alliance Network
Strumphet Alliance NetworkFiji Local, National English This peer-led community network of women sex workers in Fiji advocates with the national government for the human rights of sex workers. The group raises human rights awareness among local authorities and promotes respect among sex workers. Created in 2014, this grant will enable the group to strengthen its organisation and build internal capacity in areas of leadership and management. Strumphet Alliance Network aims to increase the visibility of the organisation and its messages through developing educational materials.
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Fiji | Asia/Pacific | 2017 |
SWAGGERR – Sex Workers’ Action Group Gaining Empowerment, Rights and Recognition
SWAGGERR – Sex Workers’ Action Group Gaining Empowerment, Rights and RecognitionAustralia Local English This local collective of sex workers in South Australia works with sex workers of all genders. SWAGGERR advocates for legal and policy reform in their state, including decriminalisation of sex work, and promotes the rights of sex workers through social media campaigns and mobilising sex workers to ensure their participation in national and international forums. Learn more
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Australia | Asia/Pacific | 2015 |
Vietnam Network of Sex Workers (VNSW)
Vietnam Network of Sex Workers (VNSW)Vietnam National English This national network unites sex workers who are organised in peer support groups in 25 cities and provinces of Vietnam. Vietnam Network of Sex Workers (VNSW) aims to represent the voice of sex workers at national level to improve laws, policies, and practices that impact on sex workers’ lives. The network builds capacity of women and men sex workers in the area of HIV harm reduction, community work, management, and advocacy through trainings and mentoring. Learn more
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Vietnam | Asia/Pacific | 2016 |
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 |
Women Leadership Initiative Centre
Women Leadership Initiative CentreLao People's Democratic Republic National English In a context where sex work is regarded as a criminal activity that can be subjected to severe prosecutions, this sex worker-led organisation working in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic aims to establish a national socio-political and economic environment in which sex workers’ voices and priorities are duly valued.
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Lao People's Democratic Republic | Asia/Pacific | 2021 |