June 2nd 2025 marks the 50 year anniversary of International Sex Workers’ Day. In 1975, over 100 sex workers occupied the Saint-Nizier Church in Lyon, protesting punitive laws and police violence. Half a century later, sex workers’ rights organisations are picking up the baton with joint actions across Europe and Central Asia.
Participating countries include: France, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, Netherlands,
Ukraine, Armenia, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland
“This is about more than honoring the past - it’s about protecting the future. Sex workers have long been at the forefront of the fight against oppression. In the face of the rising far-right, we push back with the most spectacular action to date.” - Sabrina Sanchez, Executive Director of ESWA.
Church occupations, marches, protests, performances, public art interventions: whatever you can imagine, this day will have it all, led and organised by sex workers and allies.
The most marginalised have been prioritised and provided with stipends, travel, and accommodation. They are the ones suffering the impacts of stigma and criminalisation the most. It is only fair they lead the protest.
"Fifty years ago, sex workers in Lyon came together to protest police brutality. Today, we have gathered substantial evidence of the extent of this problem. As part of the activities, ESWA launhes a new report on police violence against sex workers. We hope the scale of this protest will signal to both the media and policymakers that addressing violence against sex workers must be a priority." - Dr Irena Ferčíková Konečná, ESWA Senior Policy Officer
Despite shrinking funding and the erosion of human rights, sex workers not only stand their ground—they celebrate the beauty and resilience of their communities.
All events will be livestreamed on the ESWA website.
For media inquiries contact:
Wszebor Sienkiewicz
Communications Officer
European Sex Workers’ Rights Alliance
https://www.eswalliance.org/50th_anniversary
Download the press release as PDF
