International Sex Workers’ Day, also known as International Whores’ Day, is observed annually across the globe on 2nd June to honour sex workers, protest against criminalization, police harassment, and exploitative working conditions, and advocate for their rights, safety, and dignity.
- The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the International Sex Workers’ Day.
Theme:
Every year on June 2, the United Kingdom (UK) based not-for-profit private company, Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP), observes International Sex Workers’ Day, focusing on the theme of Access to Justice.
Background:
i.On June 2, 1975, over 100 sex workers occupied the Saint-Nizier Church in Lyon, France, initiating an 8-day strike to protest against unaddressed violence, police harassment, fines, and imprisonment faced by the community.
ii.The first International Sex Workers’ Day was observed on 2 June 1975.
Sex Workers as Rights Holders:
Sex workers are entitled to the same fundamental human rights as everyone else, and most countries have recognised and ratified the following eight core rights as fundamental:
- Right to Associate and Organise
- Right to be Protected by the Law
- Right to be Free from Violence
- Right to Health
- Right to Privacy
- Right to Freedom from Discrimination
- Right to Life, Liberty, and Security
- Right to Work and Just Conditions
Legal Rights of Sex Workers in India:
i.In June 2022, the Supreme Court of India (SCI) recognised sex work as a profession, affirming that sex workers and their children are entitled to dignity and protection under Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Indian Constitution.
ii.The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA), 1956, along with provisions in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Juvenile Justice Act (JJA), governs sex work and trafficking in India.
Global Perspective:
Globally, an estimated 42 million sex workers operate, with prostitution legal in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, and Colombia.
- However, criminalisation in many regions forces sex workers into unsafe conditions, increasing risks of violence and health issues.
Key Observances Related to Sex Workers’ Rights
i.International Sex Workers’ Rights Day is observed annually on 3rd March to raise awareness of sex workers’ rights.
ii.Sex Worker Pride is celebrated every year on 14th September to honour the achievements and resilience of sex workers.
iii.International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is observed on 17th December to draw attention to violence and hate crimes faced by sex workers globally.
Note: Sex Worker Pride joins three other days – 3rd March, 2nd June and 17th December, which call attention to sex workers labour rights, access to justice and violence against sex workers – to make up four annual international sex worker rights days.
About Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP):
President – Phelister Abdalla (KESWA)
Headquarters – Edinburgh, Scotland
Established – 1990
