NNSW (National Network of Sex Workers)

Who do you work with?

NNSW works with people in sex work, that is, men, women and transgender and their organisations. It also works with state and non state agencies such as Government bodies, judiciary, women's organisations, anti-trafficking agencies for advocacy.

How are sex workers involved in your organisation?

NNSW is a network of sex worker organisations and supporting NGOs. It has a sex worker board which is the decision making body. The member organisations of sex workers have voting power and the supporting member NGO do not have voting power.

Which of NSWP priority areas does your organisation work on?
Oppose the criminalisation and other legal oppression of sex work and support its recognition as work
Advocate for universal access to health services, including primary health care, HIV and sexual and reproductive health services
Speak out about violence against sex workers, including violence from police, institutions, clients, and intimate partners, while challenging the myth that sex work is inherently gender-based violence
Oppose human rights abuses, including coercive programming, mandatory testing, raids and forced rehabilitation
Challenge stigma and discrimination against sex workers, their families and partners, and others involved in sex work
Advocate for the economic empowerment and social inclusion of sex workers as sex workers
What are the two main challenges that the sex workers you work with face

Though sex work is not illegal in India, it is not also legal. All the third party activities are criminal. Families (adults) supported by sex workers lie under criminals. Since it is not decriminalised, sex workers' livelihood and rights are at stake. There is no work status or acceptance of sex work as work.
Sex work is seen as immoral, there is a lot of stigma and discrimination at all levels. From self, family, community, society and Government. Sex workers are not able to access rights and entitlements or services that is leading them to various health and social hazards.

Describe other areas of your work

Strengthening sex workers
Collectivising and networking
Strengthening the networks
Advocacy for the right to sex work at all levels - state and non-state agencies, media, communities, etc
Raise understanding among all other social organisations and
Build allies at national, regional and global level

Country
Inde