17th December is observed as International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers across the world.
The day was celebrated for the first time in 2003. The novel idea of celebrating a day for the sex workers pathos goes to of Dr. Annie Sprinkle and the Sex Workers Outreach Project USA (SWOP-USA)-an American organization for the protection of the rights of sex workers.
Initially started was a vigil for the sex workers of the Green River Killer in Seattle Washington, the day gradually began an international annual event.
The aim of celebrating the day is to raise concern and awareness for eliminating the stigma against sex workers. The discrimination against the sex workers due to the prohibitions and customs are responsible for the existing violence against sex workers.
The red umbrella is considered as a significant symbol for Sex Workers Rights and is widely used on December 17.
‘First adopted by Venetian sex workers for an anti-violence march in 2002, red umbrellas have come to symbolize resistance against discrimination for sex workers worldwide.’
