Grantee-Partners Map

$carlet Timor Kollectivu

Timor 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.

Adarsha

India

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.

African Sex Worker Alliance (ASWA)

Regional Network - Kenya Based

International

English

Created in 2009, this regional network based in Kenya unites 100 sex worker groups from 33 countries in Africa and aims to expand its membership to include all countries of the continent. ASWA provides strategic advice, networking opportunities, capacity-building tools and financial support to local groups that work to improve sex workers’ access to health services and labour rights. Its membership includes sex workers of all genders. ASWA represents the interests of sex workers in regional and international debates and platforms.

African Sex Worker Alliance (ASWA)

Regional Network - Kenya Based

International

English

Created in 2009, this regional network unites 75 sex worker groups from 28 countries and aims to expand its membership to include all countries in Africa. It provides strategic advice, networking opportunities, capacity-building tools and financial support to local groups that work to improve sex workers’ access to health services and labour rights. Its membership includes sex workers of all genders. ASWA represents sex workers’ interest in regional and international processes and platforms.

Alcondoms Cameroun

Cameroon

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.

Alcondoms Cameroun

Cameroon

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.

AMMAR Asociación de Mujeres Meretrices de la República Argentina

Argentina

national

Spanish

AMMAR’s mission is to defend the human, social and labour rights of sex workers in Argentina. With a national reach of around 10,000 sex workers, the organisation is present in 14 provinces of the country through 18 branches in different locations all of which are run by sex workers. With this third grant from Red Umbrella Fund, the organisation aims to provide food, medication, legal services and to implement workshops and visibility activities during the women’s march and cover some of its core costs.

AMMAR Córdoba (Associación de Mujeres Meretrices de Argentina delegación Córdoba)

Argentina

Local, Subnational

Spanish

This provincial level network of female and transgender sex workers combines community services tailored to the needs of sex workers (like a nursery, literacy courses, litigation) with political activism. They are a driving force behind a nation-wide campaign for the regulation of sex work in Argentina. Their sex worker friendly clinic provides comprehensive health services including condom distribution and HIV testing.

AMMAR Córdoba (Associación de Mujeres Meretrices de Argentina delegación Córdoba)

Argentina

Local, Subnational

Spanish

This group of women sex workers functions as a labour union for sex workers in the province of Cordoba in Argentina. AMMAR Córdoba advocates for the labour rights of all sex workers by networking and lobbying with local authorities and other government departments. The group combines political activism with providing tailored services to different groups of sex workers ranging from social support and sex worker friendly health services to economic empowerment or artistic expression workshops. The group engages with academia and recently published a book on sex work in Argentina.

Asociación Civil CAMBIO Y ACCION

Peru

Local, Subnational, National

Spanish

Working mainly with men sex workers, Asociación Civil Cambio y Accion aims to eradicate violence, stigma and discrimination and achieve the recognition of sex work as work. Amongst others, the organisation will use its grant from Red Umbrella Fund to mark International Sex Workers’ Days and to strengthen itself.

Asociacion de las Prostitutas del Estado de Piaui (APROSPI)

Brazil

Local, Subnational

English

This self-led group of women sex workers was created in 2008 to advocate for sex workers’ rights and work together with other social justice movements amongst others. With the grant from Red Umbrella Fund, the organisation will work on a documentary to raise the visibility of the realities faced by sex workers in the state of Piauí, Brazil.

Asociacion de Mujeres Trabajadoras Sexuales 21 de Septiembre (ASOTRASEX)

Dominican Republic

National

Spanish

OTRASEX first originated in 2012 and had its first Board of Directors in 2016. The organisation fights for the respect of sex workers’ human and labour rights in the Dominican Republic. With this grant, the organisation aims to train and support young activists, strengthen its organisation and organise discussions on trade unions and labour rights.

Asociación de Trabajadoras Sexuales Trans de Quito (Aso TST de Quito)

Ecuador

Local, Subnational

Spanish

This group was formed by and works for trans street sex workers in Quito, the capital city. The group aims to improve the working conditions on the streets for trans sex workers who are vulnerable to harassment and violence. Aso TST Quito organises frequent meetings with local police, mediates in conflicts, conducts regular outreach work on the streets, and provides health services and various other forms of support to trans sex workers. The group cooperates with other sex worker organisations in Latin America to promote the decriminalisation of sex work through the sex worker network Plaperts.

Asociación Los Caprichos de Goover

Ecuador

Local, Subnational

Spanish

Founded in 2004, Asociación Los Caprichos de Goover sex worker-led group in Quito, Ecuador, unites diverse male sex workers by providing a space where they can come together and ensuring the representation of male sex workers in the sex workers’ rights movement. With this grant, the group will organise a training on sex workers’ rights bringing together sex workers of all genders and decision-makers.

Association for Support of Marginalized Workers STAR-STAR

Macedonia

Local, Subnational

English

This sex workers’ rights organisation in Skopje mobilises sex workers from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds, and working in different sectors of the sex work industry. The group campaigns against discrimination against sex workers, including men and trans* sex workers who face high levels of state harassment. To ensure that sex workers are visible and present in policy development and other decision-making spaces, STAR-STAR works closely with other civil society groups, including those working in the LGBTIQ, health and HIV sectors.

Association for Support of Marginalized Workers STAR-STAR

Macedonia

Local, Subnational, National

English

This self-led organisation promotes the human rights of sex workers and develops programmes that address their diverse needs in Macedonia. STAR-STAR mobilises sex workers from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds who are working in different sectors of the sex industry, ranging from brothels to border highways. The group organises advocacy trainings for sex workers, monitors political parties’ views on sex work, and works to influence relevant laws, policies and practices. STAR-STAR is expanding its network with two additional branches, Star-East and Star-West, to better reach sex workers across the country.

Association for Support of Marginalized Workers STAR-STAR

Macedonia

Local, Subnational, National

English

This sex worker-led organisation was the first sex workers’ collective in the Balkans and was legally registered in 2010. The group includes sex workers from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds to promote the human rights of all sex workers and address the diverse needs of sex workers. The group organises advocacy trainings for sex workers, monitors political parties’ views on sex work, and works to influence relevant laws, policies and practices.

Association for Support of Marginalized Workers STAR-STAR

Macedonia

local, national, international

English

Sex workers in North Macedonia are facing numerous of social and legal problems, which make the community a vulnerable population, susceptive to various human rights violations and drive sex workers to the margins of society. In this context, STAR-STAR Skopje widely known as STAR-The First Sex Workers Collective in the Balkans is a sex workers? community-led collective mobilizing the sex workers to advocate for law reform in partnership with relevant stakeholders to ultimately secure the respect of sex workers? human rights and freedoms.

Bar Hostess Empowerment & Support Programme (BHESP)

Kenya

Local, National

English

This Kenyan national sex worker-led organisation was created in 1998. BHESP runs three community-led clinics providing free and comprehensive health and legal services to sex workers. The group successfully reaches street sex workers who are considered particularly vulnerable. This organisation identifies county laws oppressing sex workers across Kenya and repeals them through legal actions, demonstrations, media campaigns and petitions. BHESP works closely with other sex worker groups in the country and region.

Best Practices Policy Project (BPPP)

United States

Local, Subnational, National

English

Best Practices Policy Project (BPPP) is an advocacy organisation led by sex workers and dedicated to supporting sex workers’ rights across the United States. BPPP produces materials for use in policy advocacy, addresses research and academic questions, provides organisations and advocates with technical assistance and engages in rights-based campaigns for sex worker’s rights.

Best Practices Policy Project (BPPP)

United States

National, International

English

This advocacy organisation is led by sex workers and dedicated to supporting sex workers’ rights across the United States. BPPP produces materials for policy spaces, addresses research and academic questions, provides organizations and advocates with technical assistance and engages in rights-based campaigns.

Caribbean Sex Work Coalition (CSWC)

Regional Network - Guyana Based

International

English

This network brings together sex workers from organisations across the Caribbean with the aim to promote the health and human rights of sex workers of all genders in the region. CSWC trains its members to become peer educators on HIV and human rights, and builds leadership and advocacy skills.

Caribbean Sex Work Coalition (CSWC)

Regional Network - Guyana Based

National, International

English

Caribbean Sex Work Coalition (CSWC) is a network that brings together sex workers from organisations across the Caribbean with the aim to promote the health and human rights of sex workers of all genders in the region. CSWC trains its members to become peer educators on HIV and human rights, and builds leadership and advocacy skills.

Caribbean Sex Work Coalition (CSWC)

Regional Network - Guyana Based

National, International

English

Created in 2008, Caribbean Sex Work Coalition brings together its sex worker-led member organisations from 6 countries across the Caribbean. The network implements two strategies: advocacy for the promotion of sex workers’ rights and capacity building of its members at national and local levels. With this grant, the networks will organise a training for sex workers from the region to increase their skills on sex worker-led service delivery.

Community Health Rights Advocacy (CHeRA)

Malawi

Local, National

English

This young community network advocates for the rights of male sex workers in Malawi, who face a double stigma related to homosexuality and sex work. It conducts outreach throughout the country to expand its reach. CHeRA is building a network of friendly health-care providers by training health workers in five districts of Malawi on the health needs and rights of sex workers.

Engender Rights Centre for Justice (ERCJ)

Zambia

Local, Subnational

English

This group works to protect the rights and interests of sex workers through outreach and capacity building of sex workers of all genders in the capital city Lusaka and surroundings. Three out of four members of the group are HIV positive and one of the priority areas of the group is access to HIV prevention and treatment services for sex workers. The group also trains health care workers and police on the needs and rights of sex workers.

European Sex Workers Rights Alliance (ESWA, former ICRSE)

Regional Network - Netherlands based

international

English

The European Sex Workers Rights Alliance (ESWA)’s membership comprises more than 100 organisations spread across the WHO Europe region. With their actions and approach inspired by their membership, ESWA works to build a strong, vibrant and sustainable network that mobilises national, regional and international advocacy activity that moves us towards long-term, systemic change.

European Sex Workers Rights Alliance (ESWA)

Regional Network - Belgium Based

National, International

English

This sex worker-led network has a membership of 105 organisations across 35 countries of Europe and Central Asia. At national level, ESWA supports sex workers’ self organisation though trainings, development of activities or strategic plan as well as submission to governmental consultations. At European level, ICRSE coordinates advocacy and campaigns and has been very active in building alliances with key European civil society networks across movements, and especially with migrants and LGBTI+ organisations.

Note: Prior to 2020 ESWA was known as International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe (ICRSE)

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.

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.

International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe (ICRSE)

Regional Network - Belgium Based

National, International

English

This sex worker-led network unites 103 organisations from 32 countries in Europe and Central Asia with the aim to increase the visibility and influence of sex workers at the European level. ESWA advocates against the criminalisation of sex work, and conducts research and advocacy on rights violations against sex workers. The network organises training opportunities for sex workers on advocacy and human rights, and builds partnerships with other movements such as human rights, LGBT and migrant organisations.

Note: In 2020 ICRSE became European Sex Workers Rights Alliance (ESWA)

International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe (ICRSE)

Regional Network - Belgium Based

National, International

English

This sex worker-led network unites 85 organisations and 150 individuals from 30 countries with the aim to increase the visibility and influence of sex workers at the European level. ICRSE advocates against the criminalisation of sex work and conducts research and advocacy on rights violations against sex workers. The network organises training opportunities for sex workers on advocay and human rights and builds partnerships with other movements.

Note: In 2020 ICRSE became European Sex Workers Rights Alliance (ESWA)

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.

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.

New Jersey Red Umbrella Alliance (NJRUA)

United States

Local, Subnational

English

This alliance of sex worker activists promotes the human rights of sex workers living and working in New Jersey. In the context of rising criminalisation, NJRUA provides community support and campaigns for better policies. The group conducts outreach to street sex workers and organises community activities in various cities throughout the state of New Jersey, informing sex workers about their rights, distributing condoms and expanding its network among sex workers.

Organización de Trabajadoras Nocturnas Bolivia (OTN-B)

Bolivia

National

Spanish

With over 17,000 members across the nine departments of Bolivia, this sex worker-led organisation works to end stigma and discrimination against sex workers. Created in 2000, this group unites diverse sex workers of all genders and sexual orientations and includes indigenous sex workers. With this grant, OTN-B will set up a telephone hotline to support sex workers facing violence. The group will organise departmental and national convenings of sex workers to strengthen community engagement and build advocacy capacity in support of a new law to regulate sex work in Bolivia.

Organización Nacional de Activistas por la Emancipacion de la Mujer (ONAEM)

Bolivia

Subnational, National

Spanish

This national sex worker-led group builds the sex workers’ movement in Bolivia by providing capacity building opportunities for its members. ONAEM builds alliances with the related movements, including the feminist and LGBTQI+ movements in the country, to more effectively promote sex workers’ rights. By educating public health service providers about sex work and human rights, ONAEM contributes to improving the quality of services and reducing the level of stigma and discrimination experienced by sex workers. ONAEM coordinates its work at the regional level through the regional sex workers network RedTraSex.

Pilot Mathambo Centre for Men’s Health

Botswana

Subnational

English

This group of men sex workers works to improve sex workers’ access to adequate health care services, especially with regard to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, management of other sexually transmitted infections, and psychosocial support. PMCMH regularly contributes to research among sex workers and advocates for decriminalizing sex work decriminalisation nationally level. The group provides workshops for men sex workers to enhance their safer sex negotiation and financial management skills and increase their safety and security.

Pow Wow

Zimbabwe

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.

Public Association Shah-Aiym

Regional Network - Kyrgyzstan Based

National, International

Russian

This network unites sex workers from across Kyrgyzstan and neighbouring countries (mainly Tajikistan and Russia) to build peer support structures and amplify the voices of sex workers in public and policy debates. Shah-Aiym documents rights violations and builds the capacity of sex workers on leadership, advocacy, safety and security. In Kyrgyzstan, Shah-Aiym aims to protect existing legislation that decriminalises sex work while speaking out against police violence against sex workers. In Tajikistan, Shah Aiym builds the capacity of sex workers to enable the creation of an independent national organisation.