{"id":4175,"date":"2023-03-08T00:00:11","date_gmt":"2023-03-08T00:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4175"},"modified":"2023-03-23T17:46:11","modified_gmt":"2023-03-23T17:46:11","slug":"international-womens-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/international-womens-day\/","title":{"rendered":"International Women\u2019s Day: Celebrating the strength and resilience of sex workers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This International Women\u2019s Day we\u2019re taking a moment to celebrate the strength and resilience of sex workers worldwide and those closer to home in the UK.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019re focusing on the best ways we can challenge stereotypes, raise awareness, and show appreciation for sex workers. From educating yourself to building inclusive communities, there are many things we can do to achieve equality for sex workers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#howdosexworkersshowstrength?\">How do sex workers show resilience and strength?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#dailychallengestheynavigate\">Daily challenges that sex workers navigate <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#howtochallengethestereotypes?\">How can we challenge stereotypes and celebrate sex workers?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#femalesexworkersyoushouldknow\">Influential female sex workers you should know<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#supportingsexworkers\">Supporting sex workers on International Women\u2019s Day and beyond<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#creatinganinclusivesociety\">Creating a more inclusive &amp; supportive society for sex workers: Actions you can take<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#thetakeaway\">The takeaway<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though we\u2019re focusing on women to celebrate International Women\u2019s Day, it\u2019s important to note that not all sex workers are women. Sex workers span all gender identities, and we celebrate this diversity every day. Promoting equality and a sex-positive environment is important to us, and we\u2019re always cheering for the success of strong women and non-female sex workers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to learn? Scroll down to celebrate sex workers and to find out more.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"howdosexworkersshowstrength?\"><strong>How do sex workers show resilience and strength?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex workers are amongst the strongest people worldwide. To celebrate escorts this International Women\u2019s Day, we\u2019re looking at how they show up with resilience and strength for inspiration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many sex workers have built inclusive communities for anyone involved in the industry. These in-person and online groups act as support networks, allowing workers to discuss and vent about the challenges they face. The groups also offer practical assistance, emotional support, and solidarity for the community, and some even host events such as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.xtalkproject.net\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex Worker Breakfast<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Other organisations that hold regular meetings also include<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/prostitutescollective.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">English Collective of Prostitutes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hold regular meetings and events in London and other cities, including workshops, training sessions, and legal advice clinics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.swarmcollective.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex Worker Advocacy and Resistance Movement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (SWARM) regular events and workshops on a range of topics, including sex work and the law, sexual health, and media representation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/scot-pep.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scot-Pep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0provides support and advocacy for sex workers in Scotland. They campaign for the decriminalisation of sex work and provide support for sex workers who have experienced violence or abuse. They also provide training and resources for healthcare professionals, police, and other service providers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sexworkersallianceireland.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex Workers Alliance Ireland<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (SWAI) is a support organisation for sex workers in Ireland. They provide information and resources on sexual health, legal issues, and workplace safety. They also campaign for the rights and safety of sex workers in Ireland<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex workers also develop <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/self-care-for-sex-workers\/\">self-care coping strategies<\/a> to unwind and relax after work. From creating work-life boundaries to indulging in activities that bring them joy, many sex workers have created resilient routines that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-body-image\/\">nourish their physical bodies<\/a> and mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex work isn\u2019t just about client meetings. The job also entails marketing, bookkeeping, admin, and so much more. Sex workers use a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> variety of skills to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-business-tips\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">keep their businesses thriving<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, showing their strengths and resilience to market conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dailychallengestheynavigate\"><strong>Daily challenges that sex workers navigate\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though sex workers show up with immense strength, they do face challenges on a daily basis. Here are some common problems sex workers face in the UK and across the world:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial insecurity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social isolation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/idevasw-sex-work-safety-tips\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Issues with clients<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abuse\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of legal protection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-and-mental-health-support\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> issues &amp; trauma<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since the world can sometimes seem as if it is set up against sex workers, accessing necessary services and assistance isn\u2019t so straightforward. Luckily, resources are available from dedicated teams to help sex workers navigate these problems with strength and fight for their rights simultaneously. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Let\u2019s celebrate International Women\u2019s Day by standing up for sex workers and their rights.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can we raise awareness of these challenges?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are multiple ways to raise awareness of the daily challenges that sex workers face on a daily basis. This International Women\u2019s Day, we\u2019re working together to raise awareness of these issues to create a more equal society.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alongside some of the suggestions above, you can raise awareness by sharing knowledge via social media. Social platforms are one of the most powerful tools we have, so share articles, stories, and videos, and use hashtags to educate your online community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also raise awareness by talking with your close friends and family. Change starts in your local community, so don\u2019t shy away from the topic when it comes up. Stand up for sex workers and their rights.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/international-womens-day-2.png\" alt=\"campaigners protest against raids on sex workers in London and demanding better protection\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/international-womens-day-2.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/international-womens-day-2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/international-womens-day-2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/international-womens-day-2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/international-womens-day-2-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"howtochallengethestereotypes?\"><strong>How can we challenge stereotypes and celebrate sex workers?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s crucial to challenge negative stereotypes and show appreciation for sex workers, and International Women&#8217;s Day is the perfect day to get started. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>This creates a more inclusive and equal society, and we\u2019ve got some tips to help you get started:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always listen to sex workers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevating their voices and stories is the best way to give them a platform, especially as many mainstream news outlets censor their activism. You can listen to sex workers by following their social media accounts and blogs or by communicating via forums.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep educating yourself and your community<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s a lack of education surrounding sex work, and it\u2019s not happening in schools or universities. So, you must research online and challenge the ideas fed to you by mainstream media sources. Watch documentaries, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/best-sex-positive-media\/\">read books<\/a>, and attend non-profit-led educational events.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support sex worker-led organisations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Especially ones based in your local area. This will give the organisations more visibility, and thus more sex workers will be able to access their resources and support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fight for nationwide policy changes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex workers are constantly campaigning for policy changes to protect their rights and safety in hopes that these will reduce the stigma in the long run.. Work with sex workers and organisations to make these campaigns heard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"femalesexworkersyoushouldknow\"><strong>Influential female sex workers you should know<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To celebrate these strong women, we\u2019re highlighting some of the influential female sex workers throughout history. Each of these sex workers has made a significant impact on the public perception of sex work and has worked to improve the rights and conditions of sex workers in the UK and beyond. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>If you need a little inspiration, just look at these women and their stories:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cynthia Payne<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cynthia Payne was a British brothel keeper who gained notoriety in the 1970s and 1980s for running a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-party-etiquette\/\">sex party<\/a> business in her home in Streatham, South London. She was arrested and prosecuted several times, but her unconventional lifestyle and advocacy for the decriminalisation of sex work made her a well-known figure in the UK.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Belle de Jour (Brooke Magnanti)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brooke Magnanti was known under her pseudonym Belle de Jour until her identity was revealed back in 2009. She wrote a popular blog and book about her experiences as a sex worker. Her writing was considered to be both insightful and humorous and helped to break down some of the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-myths-debunked\/\"> stereotypes surrounding sex work<\/a>. She has since become an advocate for sex workers&#8217; rights and has spoken out against the stigma and discrimination that sex workers face.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charlotte Rose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charlotte Rose is a British sex worker and activist who has campaigned for the decriminalisation of sex work. She has spoken at conferences and protests and has worked with various organisations to improve conditions for sex workers in the UK. In 2013 she also won the <em>Sex Worker of the Year<\/em>\u00a0award at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sexualfreedomawards.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Sexual Freedom Awards<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Molly Smith<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Molly Smith is a British sex worker and activist who has been involved in campaigns to decriminalise sex work and improve working conditions for sex workers and has spoken at numerous events and rallies. She has also co-written the book <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Revolting Prostitutes: The Fight for Sex Workers&#8217; Rights <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with fellow sex worker Juno Mac, which calls for full decriminalisation of sex work.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laura Lee<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laura Lee was an Irish-born sex worker and activist who campaigned for the rights of sex workers in the UK. She founded the Escort Agency Owners Association, which provided support and resources for sex workers and helped to improve working conditions in the industry. Lee was also a prominent voice in the fight against the introduction of the Nordic Model in the UK, which criminalises the purchase of sex.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Josephine Butler<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Josephine Butler was a Victorian-era feminist who campaigned for the rights of sex workers and the abolition of the Contagious Diseases Acts, which allowed for the forcible medical examination of suspected prostitutes. She founded the Ladies National Association for the Repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts and worked to expose the hypocrisy and double standards of the Victorian moral codes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Margo St. James<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Margo St. James was a British-born sex worker who became an activist for the rights of sex workers in the US. She founded <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/coyoteri.org\/wp\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COYOTE<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics), a group that advocated for the decriminalisation of prostitution and the end of police harassment of sex workers. St. James was also involved in the feminist movement of the 1960s and 70s and worked to challenge the sexist attitudes and policies of the time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juno Mac<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juno Mac is a British sex worker and activist who has campaigned for the decriminalisation of sex work in the UK. She is the co-author of the book <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Revolting Prostitutes: The Fight for Sex Workers&#8217; Rights<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which examines the history of sex work and the challenges faced by sex workers today. Mac has spoken at numerous events and rallies and has worked with organisations like the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">English Collective of Prostitutes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SWARM to advocate for the rights of sex workers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tilly Lawless<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tilly Lawless is a queer British-born sex worker based in Sydney, Australia. She has worked as an escort and a brothel worker and has become a prominent voice in the fight for the decriminalisation of sex work in Australia. Lawless has spoken out against the stigma and discrimination faced by sex workers and has worked with organisations like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/scarletalliance.org.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scarlet Alliance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to improve working conditions for sex workers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Across the pond, even renowned Hollywood celebrities proudly advocate for sex worker\u2019s rights and openly talk about their past in the industry:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-4179 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/1-200x200.png\" alt=\"Cardi B\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/1-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/1.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>Cardi B<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before making herself a household name, Cardi B was an exotic dancer who only rapped on the side. Cardi was employed at a strip club from when she was 18 to 2015 when her music career started to gain traction. Cardi is outspoken about her time in the industry and continues to normalise the job for women worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-4180 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/2-200x200.png\" alt=\"Lady Gaga\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/2-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/2.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>Lady Gaga<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similarly to Cardi B, Lady Gaga used to strip and dance in burlesque shows before embracing music. Lady Gaga has spoken candidly about her experience, and she continues to make sex-positive music today.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-4182 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/4-200x200.png\" alt=\"Carmen Electra\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/4-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/4.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>Carmen Electra<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another famous lady to start their career in exotic dancing is Carmen Electra. However, Carmen still owns her sex work today and has released striptease workout videos and sells branded home stripper poles.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-4181 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3-200x200.png\" alt=\"Rosanne Barr\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>Rosanne Barr<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did you know Rosanne Bar was an escort before working in Hollywood? Today, Rosanne is outspoken about her pro-sex work views and continually fights for sex workers&#8217; rights and decriminalisation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"supportingsexworkers\"><strong>Supporting sex workers on International Women\u2019s Day and beyond<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International Women\u2019s Day is all about celebrating gender equality and women\u2019s achievements. So today, take a moment to explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-activism\/\">sex work activism<\/a> media and listen to sex workers\u2019 stories. Taking time to listen and learn is essential, and there\u2019s no better day to get started.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, showing true allyship to sex workers takes more than listening to them for a day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To show support for sex workers beyond International Women\u2019s Day, get involved with UK-based advocacy groups. In the UK, there are countless groups that continually fight against stigma and provide resources for sex workers. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Whether you donate, attend events, or simply read their resources, these official groups are the best to start with:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nationaluglymugs.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Ugly Mugs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (NUM)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.swarmcollective.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SWARM Collective<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/decrimnow.org.uk\/support\/#:~:text=Decrim%20Now%20is%20an%20alliance,sex%20workers%20in%20the%20UK.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DecrimNow<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/prostitutescollective.net\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">English Collective of Prostitutes<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"creatinganinclusivesociety\"><strong>Creating a more inclusive &amp; supportive society for sex workers: Actions you can take<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Going forward, focusing on an inclusive and supportive society for sex workers is vital. Here are the key actionable points you need to remember and explore to make a change in your local community and beyond:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support sex worker-owned organisations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Address stigma and discrimination, whether online or in-person<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promote fair and equal healthcare<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fight for decriminalised sex work<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offer economic opportunities (such as providing training and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/financial-management-for-sex-workers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">financial assistance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevate supportive communities and offer emotional support<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"thetakeaway\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4177 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/international-womens-day-1.png\" alt=\"the phrase &quot; I'm a sex worker &quot; on a banner in women's hand\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/international-womens-day-1.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/international-womens-day-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/international-womens-day-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/international-womens-day-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/international-womens-day-1-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/>The takeaway<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building a fairer world takes time and strength. But it\u2019s time to get started. This International Women\u2019s Day, take time to build your knowledge, start engaging with sex workers, and spend some time building your allyship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While we appreciate sex workers\u2019 strength and resilience, we\u2019re focusing on creating a society where they don\u2019t face adversity. Find more resources on our blog.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This International Women\u2019s Day we\u2019re taking a moment to celebrate the strength and resilience of sex workers worldwide and those closer to home in the UK. We\u2019re focusing on the best ways we can challenge stereotypes, raise awareness, and show appreciation for sex workers. From educating yourself to building inclusive communities, there are many things [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4178,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"CBBTypography":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[221],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-4175","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sex-work-101"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4175","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4175"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4175\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4175"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4175"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4175"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=4175"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}