Cambodia: Sex workers are determined to grow their power

In the heart of Phnom Penh, a powerful workers’ movement is growing driven by resilience, solidarity, and a commitment to justice. The Association to Support Vulnerable Women (ASVW), known locally as the Cambodian Prostitute’s Union (CPU), is leading the charge in advocating for the rights of sex and entertainment workers.  

Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA has supported the CPU since its establishment in 1998. Our partnership aims to reinforce sex and entertainment workers’ access to local services, enhance their rights as workers and citizens, and strengthen CPU’s capacity to grow its numbers and power. 

Workers are workers are workers 

CPU was established by sex workers, for sex and entertainment workers, to protect their rights, educate them on HIV/AIDS prevention, and assist them in accessing healthcare and legal services. Over the years, the organisation has played a significant role in reducing Cambodia’s once-alarming HIV/AIDS rates, which were among the highest in Asia. Through grassroots outreach, the distribution of condoms, and relentless advocacy, CPU has also been a vocal opponent of the 2008 laws that criminalised sex work under the guise of combating human trafficking. 

Despite the challenges of organising a highly transient and stigmatised workforce, CPU has made remarkable achievements: 

• Growing membership: CPU welcomed 138 new members over the past year, bringing their total membership to 908 women. Through proactive outreach and education on safe work practices and health, they continue to connect with and support sex and entertainment workers across Phnom Penh. 

• Safe environment: Secured a new, secure office space, providing a safe environment for members to meet, train, and build community. 

• Health services access: Facilitated access to HIV/AIDS, STI, and reproductive health services for 618 sex workers, including covering travel costs for 60 members to attend their appointments. 

• Peer educator network: CPU’s peer educators, who work full-time while also providing outreach, trained and supported 1,872 sex workers across nine target areas, offering health education, drug awareness, and work safety information. 

• Public services access: Enabled 55 women to access essential public services by assisting them with obtaining birth certificates and ID Poor cards. 

• Condom distribution: Over 3,168 boxes of condoms were distributed to members, promoting safe sex practices and protection against sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. 

• HIV/AIDS support: CPU visited 273 members living with HIV/AIDS to monitor their health and supported 90 sex workers in undergoing medical check-ups. 

• Children’s education support: The organisation helped 60 members’ children attend school by providing transport and educational supplies. 

• Advocacy and public participation: CPU’s members actively participated in public campaigns, including World Aids Day, International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers (Red Umbrella Day), and International Women’s Day. 

 

Power in numbers 

The CPU is determined to grow its power. Supporting Phnom Penh’s sex and entertainment workers, their families, and their communities is essential to securing decent work.  

Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA is collaborating to develop a new strategic plan, identifying needs and building sustainable strategies that will help them grow its membership and organisational strength in the years to come. CPU’s work is an example of the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for those who are often marginalised and voiceless.  

By supporting CPU, you are not just helping an organisation – you are standing along a movement that is transforming lives in Cambodia.

Become a Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA member and stand with the CPU today.  

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29 August, 2024.