Association for Support of Marginalized Workers – STAR-STAR Skopje proudly announces the launch of its new four-year project: “Self-Identified Sex Workers in the Fight Against Sexual Violence and Trafficking in Women and Girls.”
This project is supported by funding from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and marks a critical step in our struggle, a moment where self-identified sex workers, especially women, girls, including transgender women and girls, are finally taking center stage and raising their voices in the fight against sexual violence, exploitation, and trafficking.
The project builds on our long-standing commitment to increasing visibility, ensuring protection, and achieving systemic change, all of which have long been denied to our community. It is time for our voices to be heard, our rights to be respected, and our struggle to be recognized.
Why is this project important?
In North Macedonia, self-identified sex workers are among the most marginalized and vulnerable groups. Although formally recognized under the 2021 Law on Prevention and Protection from Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, they continue to face:
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High exposure to sexual violence, human trafficking, and exploitation
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Stigma, criminalization, and police abuse
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Systemic exclusion from public services and national prevention programs
As a result, many victims of violence and human trafficking remain unidentified and unsupported, their stories silenced by the fear of further marginalization.
A project by the community, for the community
What makes this project truly unique is that it is created and led by sex workers themselves. From concept to implementation, the initiative is rooted in the lived experiences and knowledge of the community. The goal is to create long-term, transformative change through:
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Empowerment – Building knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to violence
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Access – Improving access to services for victims of trafficking and gender-based violence
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Advocacy – Driving systemic reforms that protect the rights and dignity of sex workers
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Inclusion – Ensuring that the most marginalized groups — including Roma women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people living with HIV, or those who use substances — are actively included and supported
Our objectives
The project contributes to the broader social goal of ending violence against women and girls through:
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Transforming social norms and attitudes that enable violence
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Creating safer public and community spaces
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Equipping women and girls with resources, skills, and leadership opportunities
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Strengthening mutual support and decision-making in private life
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Improving institutional accountability and the legal framework
The project will be implemented across both urban and rural areas of North Macedonia, with a specific focus on Skopje, where sex workers are most present but face various challenges — from institutional repression to a complete lack of available services.
Through direct interventions and broader communication efforts, we aim to:
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Provide direct support to at least 140 self-identified sex workers
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Reach over 300 additional individuals through campaigns, events, and educational outreach
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Work with institutions and partners to improve victim identification, protocols, and policy development
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Ensure sustainability by building capacity and forming long-term partnerships
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Create a system that sees, hears, and protects — with no one left behind
This project is not only a response to the current situation of sex workers in our country, it is a collective commitment to a future where sex workers are safe, respected, and included.
Through knowledge, support, advocacy, and collaboration with institutions and communities, we are shaping conditions in which violence has no space and justice becomes reality.