Red Nobles

The issue of r**e among indigenous women in Mt. Province surfaced by an academic research many years back continues to be unaddressed. The S*xual Violence Prevention and Response Coalition that we had help set up to address issues of gender violence is still unable to do their mandate due to funding constraints.

Switzerland says big 'yes' to same-s*x marriage | AFP Nearly two-thirds of Swiss voters backed the government's plan to introduce same-s*x marriage in a referendum, with campaigners calling it a historic day for...

Again, the Indigenous Women Collective has requested us to work with them in addressing the issue of s*xual violence confronting women in their communities.

Nothing About Us Without Us: The Imperative of Inclusive Advocacy

The phrase "Nothing About Us Without Us" has become a rallying cry for marginalized communities, particularly s*x workers, around the world. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive advocacy, where those most affected by policies and projects are actively involved in decision-making processes.

In the Philippines, the need for inclusive advocacy is starkly evident. The drafting of the Anti-trafficking law without s*x worker participation led to the conflation of trafficking with s*x work, resulting in policies that harm rather than help s*x workers. Together with the Philippine S*x Workers Collective, we are mounting a challenge to this law, advocating for amendments that prioritize s*x workers' rights and safety.

However, this effort requires resources and a strong, determined s*x workers' group that is empowered to speak up and ask questions. Decriminalization of s*x work would be a significant step forward, reducing stigma and creating a more enabling environment for s*x workers to organize and advocate for their rights.

The National HIV AIDS program's consultation with s*x workers is often mere lip service, and some local NGOs implement HIV AIDS programs without meaningful s*x worker involvement. This pattern is repeated in reproductive health programs, highlighting the systemic failure to prioritize s*x workers' voices and perspectives.

Inclusive advocacy is not just a moral imperative; it's a practical necessity. When s*x workers are involved in decision-making, policies are more likely to address their real needs, reduce harm, and promote human rights. It also helps to build trust and credibility between advocacy organizations and the communities they serve.

However, implementing this principle is not without challenges. Power dynamics, stigma, and lack of resources can hinder meaningful participation. Advocacy organizations must be willing to cede power and create spaces for s*x workers to lead and participate in decision-making.

To implement inclusive advocacy in practice, advocates and organizations can take several steps:

- Create spaces for s*x workers to participate in decision-making processes
- Address power imbalances by ceding power and providing compensation for s*x workers' time and expertise
- Ensure that s*x workers are involved in all stages of policy development and implementation
- Provide training and capacity-building programs for s*x workers to develop their skills and leadership

Ultimately, inclusive advocacy is essential for promoting the human rights and dignity of s*x workers. By prioritizing their voices and perspectives, we can create a more just and equitable world.