Anastacia Ryan Policy Officer

Global Network of Sex Work Projects

Asia and the Pacific Region

Issues and Problems Facing Sex Workers

Stigma and Discrimination

“We use our bodies to do business and we

are not doing anything wrong. Why do our governments keep saying that we are

criminals?”

Sex Worker, Myanmar

Creating an Enabling Legal and Policy Environment

“When sex workers are arrested and go to

court, there are no lawyers to represent

them. Sex workers are looked down upon by the legal fraternity”

Sex worker, Malaysia

Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

“I got tested and I was positive. There was no support for me after I

found out and the results were not kept

confidential. I couldn’t get work as everyone knew I had HIV and

used this against me”

Sex worker, Myanmar

Violence against Sex Workers

“To make citizens believe and to prove to them police are taking action, we

usually beat and hurt these sex workers in

public places”

Police official in documentary by sex

workers Forum Kerala

“NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US”

Cambodian Sex Workers Campaign Against MTV Exit Campaign

“The MTV platform has the potential to be

a great platform in Cambodia for issues

around trafficking, but there main failure is

their complete disconnect from

Cambodian community”

The Effect of Well Intentioned Campaigns that do not Consult with Sex Workers

Listen, Support and Break the Silence

“Drafters should, at a minimum, include prostitution as one of the forms of sexual exploitation outlined in the law.

Drafters should also carefully review the laws on prostitution to determine whether such laws need to be

reformed. The existence of the sex industry and the demand for the sale of women and children for sex creates the

conditions that allow for traffickers to operate”

UN Secretary General’s Campaign to End Violence Against Women

“I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human

beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor,

never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never

the tormented.”