Sex Workers Warriors Against Sex Trafficking Exploring the agency of sex workers in the combat on sex trafficking

Abstract

Since the start of the twenty-first century the need to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, or sex trafficking, has been the focus of non-governmental organisations and governments, in which sex trafficking has been identified as a global growing problem, pressed mainly by governments and feminists. There is the need to understand the issue of sex trafficking in order to prosecute those involved in trafficking activities and provide support to those who have been trafficked for sexual exploitation. Therefore this research seeks to comprehend and address how sex workers, when perceived and recognised as agents who are able to choose and act in pro of their own benefit, can be important allies in the fight against sex trafficking. Through the standpoint of sex workers' rights activists - who have a vast experience with empowering sex workers - this research will bring new perspectives on the issue of sex trafficking and how those who are directly involved with the sex industry can contribute to combating this issue. Those agents are the sex workers.