Enhanced access to social services for female sex workers

Through this project, CARE addresses the underlying causes of marginalization of female sex workers and works towards responsive and supportive policy and legal approaches to sex work, to enable them to have a stronger voice and equitable access to protection and services.

Background

Female sex workers in Vietnam experience the denial of multiple rights, as a result of the illegal nature of sex work and the stigma and discrimination they face on the basis of the work they do. They risk exploitation, abuse, and violence from clients and duty-bearers, and have little access to basic services, such as healthcare and legal protection.

Objective of Enhanced access to social services for female sex workers

Female sex workers will have a strong platform for collective voice and action, through ‘We Are Women’ (WrW) clubs and stronger links with the Vietnam Network of Sex Workers and other self-help groups.
The authorities will support the collective voice and action of female sex workers, and both female sex workers and relevant authorities will learn how to work together in decision-making.
Key duty-bearers, such as police, the local authorities, and service providers such as legal agencies, will demonstrate improved positive attitudes and behaviors towards female sex workers.

Participants of Enhanced access to social services for female sex workers

2.200+
female sex workers

840+
duty-bearers and service providers

How does Enhanced access to social services for female sex workers work?

The project works with sex workers, policy and decision-makers within the Government of Vietnam, duty-bearers, and service providers, such as the police and legal aid providers, to improve access to opportunities, services, and protections for female sex workers.

Location

Activities in Can Tho City, Ho Chi Minh City, and Quang Ninh province, and national-level policy dialogue in Hanoi

Time

7/2013 – 6/2017