SEX WORKERS PRIDE DAY’2025 IN UKRAINE

September 14 is International Sex Workers Pride Day, a day when we talk about the right to self-determination, dignity and safety.

According to international organizations, more than 35 million people in the world are engaged in sex work, and in Ukraine there are more than 80 thousand people who provide sex services for remuneration.

Today, especially during the war, even more people are forced to resort to this work due to the loss of housing or work:

• 13% of sex workers had other jobs before the war and did not provide sex services, a third of them are IDPs;

• almost half of the sex workers surveyed have no other sources of income, while they are forced to pay for rented housing and support minor children.

“When I lost my home due to shelling, this work became the only way to survive. But what hurts the most is not the condemnation, but the feeling that I have no right to protection. I can be humiliated, hit, or fined just because I am a sex worker.”

This is a story that has no name, because there are thousands of them. Today we speak on their behalf: dignity and safety are not a privilege, but the right of every person.

We have no right to turn a blind eye to the existence of an entire community that faces discrimination and risk every day.

For over 15 years, CO “Legalife-Ukraine” has been supporting sex workers in their fight for rights, health, and safety. We conduct information campaigns, provide legal and psychological counseling, and help with access to medical services.

In times of war, our activities have become even more important: we defend the right to life without violence, stigma, and persecution. On this day, we say together with the world community: our voices must be heard!

Sex work in Ukraine is a reality that the war has made even more tangible. Criminalization does not stop the phenomenon, but only leaves people defenseless against violence and corruption.

Sex workers face stigma and discrimination every day. In conditions of war and crisis, the number of cases of violence and violations of their rights increases.

If at the beginning of the war 56% of respondents in Ukraine faced violations of their rights, then during 2024 this figure reached 68%, 55% became victims of gender-based violence.

Decriminalization of sex work in Ukraine is not about “propaganda”, but about protecting life, the right to work and medical safety. When society recognizes sex workers, it recognizes them as people with their own rights and stories.

It is time to stop closing our eyes!

#НеЗакриваюОчі

#IamNotClosingMy Eyes

Team of the CO “Legalife-Ukraine”