In 2025, the African Sex Workers Alliance (ASWA) faced a Continental Emergency driven by global funding cuts, escalating conflict, and rising violence against sex workers.
Yet across 15 countries, sex workers organized, led, and resisted.
Key Highlights:
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450+ leaders empowered through movement-building initiatives
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124 severe violence cases documented through the Murder Monitoring Tool
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687 rape cases recorded in Eastern DRC
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+19% increase in safe abortion knowledge in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda
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Landmark partnership with the United Nations Development Programme to publish Uncelebrated Victories, documenting sex worker-led decriminalization efforts across Africa
Despite crisis, ASWA strengthened feminist leadership, advanced reproductive justice, amplified youth voices, and pushed forward the fight for decriminalization, dignity, and health rights.
