Introduction of AINSW

AINSW is the only national network of sex workers in India led entirely by sex workers themselves.

Its aim is to strengthen the sex workers’ movement in India and advocate with the Indian government for supportive policies, challenge the stigmatized narrative, and broaden public support for sex workers’ rights.

AINSW supports collectivization of sex workers across India to build solidarity and confidence to effectively negotiate with police and policy makers. Members of AINSW have also implemented targeted interventions for sex workers to prevent gender-based violence and demand respectful care.

• Members of AINSW have extensive experience of working countrywide with sex workers for over two decades to support their self-led leadership, and facilitate access to national and international advocacy platforms.
• As a result of AINSW’s regular inputs to the two petitioners in Supreme Court of India to seek the court’s protection for adult sex workers, the court has granted a recent ruling upholding the fundamental rights of sex workers.
• It’s member organizations across 15 states of India have been advocating against the parliamentary ratification of a regressive anti trafficking legislation which would further victimize sex workers and drive them underground.
• AINSW provides capacity development support to its member organisations, facilitates participation of sex workers state level, regional, national and international working groups and committees.
• AINSW is a member partner of Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers and Global Network of Sex Work Project.
• AINSW is a member of various civil society movements, including Pension Parishad, Jan Sarokar, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, Working People Charter, and National Trade Union Initiative.