As the first and only collective of sex workers in the country and in the Balkans, on 14 September, for the seventh year in a row, we proudly join the global initiative to mark the International Sex Worker Pride Day, highlighting our most significant achievements from 2024.
In a year full of challenges, but also filled with powerful action, we continued our mission to fight for rights, visibility, protection, and dignity for our community.
What we achieved in 2024?
1. We produced the first-ever report on the digital rights of sex workers in North Macedonia
To mark March 3rd, the International Sex Workers’ Rights Day we published the Legal Framework Analysis on Digital Safety and Digital Rights of Sex Workers, opening up key conversations around privacy protection, online violence, and digital marginalization.
2. We successfully implemented the 8-week training program “Career Angels”
In partnership with Macedonian Association of counselors of career development (АSК), 20 women completed an intensive 80-hour career counseling training program. They gained practical skills, self-confidence, and a clear vision for their career path, aiming toward full integration into the labor market.
This project was funded through a U.S. Embassy grant.
3. On June 2nd– International Sex Workers’ Day – we launched a digital video campaign against disinformation
Through the release of five short videos, we sent a clear message: stigma and false narratives will not define us. We created positive stories about sex work and encouraged open, public dialogue on social media.
4. We held digital safety workshops in Strumica, Bitola, and Skopje
As part of the digital safety workshops held in Strumica, Bitola, and Skopje, we provided information, tools, and resources for personal protection in the digital sphere — particularly important in a context of increasing risks and online violence.
5. We presented the report “Experiences, Knowledge, and Needs of Sex Workers in North Macedonia”
As part of the project “National Implementation of the Global Framework on Social Protection and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for 2024”, supported by the regional network SWAN, we shared findings from field research — turning the voices of our community into data and actionable recommendations.
6. On 17 December, we used art to call for solidarity and support
To mark the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, together with TransFormA, we organized the artistic action and performance “Silent Red Rooms” — a symbolic act of resistance and a public call for solidarity, understanding, and breaking the silence around violence.
The initiative to mark the the International Sex Worker Pride Day, marked for the first time in 2019, was initiated by NSWP (The Global Network of Sex Work Projects). This momentous day aims to celebrate the self-determination and increased visibility of the sex worker community and showcase all the achievements of international sex worker-led organizations over the past year.