Media Sensitization
The media can be a powerful ally for publicizing abuses against sex workers and messages for advocacy. Sex worker advocacy groups can monitor media coverage and reach out to members of the media to help steer them away from sensationalist and exploitative portrayals of sex workers. Groups should take care when working with journalists to ensure that sex workers’ privacy is protected and that information is portrayed in a sensitive manner that accurately reflects the realities of sex workers’ lives. NGOs pressing for sex workers’ rights must also be sensitive to the way the media works and should take care to ensure that sex workers’ privacy is protected when stories are shared with journalists. Below you will find tools for ensuring confidentiality, and training materials for improving journalists’ sensitivity and ability to communicate news stories in ways that accurately reflect the realities of sex workers’ lives.