“Empowering Sex Workers to Ensure Safety, Health and the Protection of Human Rights”

United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 52nd Session

Parallel Event Sponsored by Sex Workers Project, Urban Justice Center & International Women’s Health Coalition

February 27, 2008 Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Church Center (Across the street from United Nations, 44th and 1st) Hardin Room (11th Fl.)

777 United Nations Plaza NY, NY 10017

As leaders in the fight against HIV/AIDS and trafficking, sex workers are integral to educating their clients, their communities and the public about safe sex practices and to helping prevent forced sex work. Panelists will discuss how sex workers rights must be protected to ensure access to health, legal, educational and social services. Taking the Pledge, a short film about USAID funding restrictions in regards to sex workers, will also be shown.

Moderator: Supriya Pillai, Program Officer, International Women’s Health Coalition

Panelists: Sapna Patel, Staff Attorney, Sex Workers Project at the Urban Justice Center Elaine Pearson, Deputy Director, Asia Division, Human Rights Watch Melissa Ditmore, Ph.D., Coordinator, Network of Sex Work Projects Editor, Encyclopedia of Prostitution and Sex Work

Video: Taking the Pledge

via Bound, Not Gagged

...because public space really matters!

Elizabeth