Under the motto “The red dress fits me very well” in the city park in Skopje was marked the International Sex Workers Day on June 2, organised by HOPS – Options for Healthy Life Skopje with partner organisations from the Platform for decriminalisation of sex work, Association for Support of Marginalised workers STAR-STAR and Coalition Margins. The event was attended by sex workers, their friends, supporters and activists who demended for the promotion of the human rights of sex workers through the decriminalisation of sex work.
“Through this year’s event, sex workers are sending strong messages to the public and decision-makers to promote the health, social and labour rights of this group. Through red dresses that sex workers wear with pride and dignity, they show that choosing their job is a personal decision. “Red is a symbol of passion and love, but also the self-confidence and courage that sex workers need in the fight to advance their rights, their well-being and for a better tomorrow,” said Heidi Sterjova Simonovic, HOPS Executive Director.
“The community of sex workers demands the recognition of sex work as a profession of free choice, which will make it part of the labour market, and sex workers will be recognised as workers. Thus, this community will be able to provide uninterrupted existence for itself and its families, but also to fulfil its civic obligations and duties to the state. Sex workers demand professional, equal and fair treatment by health professionals, social workers, police officers and other institutions in exercising their rights to health, social and legal protection. Of particular importance for sex workers is the improvement of the system for prevention and sanctioning of any kind of violence or abuse of office, improving the approach to dealing with sex workers who are victims of domestic or sexual violence, as well as continuous awareness raising about sex work. “, reducing stigma, prejudice and discrimination by public service providers.” – said Jagoda Miteva, activist from STAR-STAR.
“Decriminalisation of sex work is a key requirement of sex workers, their supporters and associations. Decriminalisation is the only model that will enable respect for the human rights of sex workers, enhanced access to health and social services, as well as the inclusion of sex work in the formal economy so that these workers will finally receive labour rights. The decriminalisation of sex work benefits the whole society, especially towards the prevention of gender-based violence, prevention of poverty, social inequality and human trafficking. We consider the New Zealand model of decriminalisation to be the most successful, according to which the policies governing sex work in the RS should be revised. Macedonia. “- said Dragana Drndarevska, legal advisor from the Margini Coalition.
International Sex Workers’ Day has been celebrated since 1975, on June 2, when 100 sex workers occupied the Church of Saint Nizier in Lyon, France. This event is the first link to start an international movement of sex workers and the fight for their rights. International Sex Workers’ Day has been celebrated around the world since 1975.