Thread by @NationalUglyMug

There is always a lot to say about sex work on #InternationalWomensDay, and this year is no exception.

At NUM, we are able to witness, participate in and move forward because of the incredible work of women each and every day.

Just last week, we honoured the 25,000 sex workers, mainly women, who took to the streets in Calcutta in 2001 to demand rights and recognition as workers as part of #InternationalSexWorkersRightsDay. We are able to do what we do because of them.

In June, on #InternationalWhoresDay, we will remember the sex workers and those women who stood in solidarity with them in Lyon who occupied a church to demand an end to state violence against them. We are able to do what we do because of them.

Today, for #InternationalWomensDay, we honour sex workers across the UK and the world - those who are fighting for their rights, and those who are simply fighting to survive. We are able to do what we do because of you.

While we recognise that sex workers exist across the gender spectrum, the majority of NUM's membership are women, and we recognise the reality that sex work is often heavily-gendered labour.

To our male and non-binary sex workers, we thank you also.

Every day at NUM, we witness the resilience, strength, innovation, resourcefulness and care of sex workers. We see your determination to keep others safe, to look after your friends, families and colleagues. As one sex worker has said:

"Every time I receive a NUM alert – which is sent to us if a worker has reported a dangerous person in our area – I feel mixed emotions. Sad that this has happened; anger towards a society where this has been allowed to happen, or accepted, or hidden, or, at worst, justified;

"but most importantly, I feel warmth and compassion towards the person brave enough to come forward and share their experiences in the hope that none of the rest of us will have to then face them.

"To share this information with NUM is a gift to every sex worker across the UK, and I cannot thank them enough for it."

At the forefront of our minds this past year has been the impact of Covid-19. The pandemic has exposed the multitude of ways in which society fails sex workers, and fails women.

The intersections of gender discrimination, poverty, racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, criminalisation and stigma have never been more visible. Now we must act on these.

We recognise the solidarity shown within the sex work community at this time, and in particular thank @SexWorkHive, @UmbrellaLane, @ScotPep and @ProstitutesColl for their efforts in promoting and facilitating care and mutual aid amongst sex workers.

However, we also call upon society to do more. To recognise the needs, rights, autonomy and value of sex workers. To provide adequate support. To end stigma. To uplift their voices. To include them as equal, valuable members of our society.

To work towards a world where sex workers, women, everyone, can live a life free from violence - whether that violence is perpetrated by individuals or the state - and achieve equality, safety and respect.