Good Women’s Strike 1975 – A pivotal step in sex workers’ rights movement

We come here to help them live a better life. But they refuse to believe that something like that is even possible

– NGO Worker

The Grève des Bonnes, also known as the “Good Women’s Strike,” was a pivotal event in the history of the sex workers’ rights movement. It took place in Lyon, France, on the night of June 2nd-3rd, 1975.

In the mid-1970s, sex workers in Lyon faced severe harassment, violence, and abuse from the police. They were subjected to constant arrests, raids, and humiliation, with little to no protection under the law. This climate of oppression and the violation of their rights led to mounting frustration and anger among the sex worker community.

The Strike:

On the night of June 2nd-3rd, 1975, around 100 sex workers in Lyon decided to take a stand against police brutality and organize a protest. They chose the Église Saint-Nizier, a prominent church in Lyon, as the gathering point for their demonstration. The church was hosting a conference on the rehabilitation of prostitutes, which the sex workers saw as hypocritical and insensitive.

As the night unfolded, sex workers gathered outside the church, armed with banners and slogans. They expressed their outrage at the oppressive actions of the police, highlighting the violence, abuse, and constant harassment they endured. Their demands included an end to police brutality, improved working conditions, and recognition of sex work as legitimate labour.

The protest was not limited to sex workers alone. Supporters from various social movements, including feminists, left-wing activists, and students, joined in solidarity. The protest gained attention and support from the broader community, and it became a symbol of resistance against social injustice and the violation of human rights.

Impact and Legacy:

The Grève des Bonnes had a significant impact on the sex workers’ rights movement in France and beyond. It marked the first organized protest by sex workers in modern times and laid the foundation for future activism and advocacy. Some key outcomes and legacies of the Grève des Bonnes include:

1. Increased Visibility: The protest drew media attention, bringing the issues faced by sex workers to the forefront. It challenged societal perceptions and stereotypes and contributed to a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of sex work.
2. Solidarity and Mobilization: The Grève des Bonnes fostered solidarity among sex workers and their allies. It inspired collective action and motivated the formation of sex worker-led organizations and support networks that continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of sex workers today.
3. Shaping Policy and Discourse: The protest contributed to the ongoing discussions around sex work laws and policies. It challenged the prevailing criminalization and stigmatization of sex work, highlighting the need for legal reforms that prioritize the rights, safety, and dignity of sex workers.
4. Inspiration for Future Movements: The Grève des Bonnes served as an inspiration for sex worker movements worldwide. It demonstrated the power of collective action and raised awareness about the importance of organizing and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.

The Grève des Bonnes remains an important milestone in the history of the sex workers’ rights movement, serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice, rights, and dignity for sex workers.

1976: First Sex Workers’ Festival:

The First Sex Workers’ Festival, also known as the Festival des Travailleurs du Sexe, took place in Lyon, France, in 1976. It was organized as a commemoration and celebration of the previous year’s Grève des Bonnes (Good Women’s Strike) protest by sex workers in the city.

The Grève des Bonnes in 1975, which saw sex workers protesting against police harassment and demanding their rights, sparked a significant turning point in the sex workers’ rights movement. It brought attention to the issues faced by sex workers and led to increased solidarity and activism within the community.

The Festival: 

In 1976, sex worker activists and their allies organized the first Sex Workers’ Festival in Lyon, France. The festival aimed to honour the resilience, strength, and activism of sex workers, as well as provide a platform for them to share their experiences and advocate for their rights.

The festival featured a variety of activities and events, including:

1. Workshops and Discussions: Participants engaged in workshops and panel discussions focusing on topics such as labour rights, health, safety, and social justice. These sessions allowed for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and strategies for improving the lives of sex workers.
2. Artistic Performances: The festival incorporated various artistic forms, including theatre, music, dance, and poetry, to express the experiences and emotions of sex workers. These performances aimed to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding and empathy.
3. Community Gathering: The festival provided a space for sex workers and their allies to come together, build networks, and establish a sense of community and solidarity. It allowed participants to connect, share stories, and support one another.
4. Advocacy and Activism: The festival also served as a platform for sex workers to advocate for their rights and raise awareness about the challenges they faced. It aimed to challenge societal stigma, promote visibility, and call for legal and social reforms.

Significance: 

The First Sex Workers’ Festival holds historical significance for the sex workers’ rights movement. It represented a bold and public affirmation of sex workers’ rights, dignity, and agency. Some key contributions and significance of the festival include:

1. Visibility and Empowerment: The festival provided a space for sex workers to assert their visibility and counter the stigma associated with their profession. It empowered sex workers to claim their rights and challenge the social marginalization they faced.
2. Solidarity and Community Building: The festival fostered a sense of community among sex workers and their allies. It strengthened connections, facilitated networking, and encouraged collaboration among different individuals and organizations working for sex workers’ rights.
3. A platform for Advocacy: The festival became a platform for sex workers to voice their demands, advocate for their rights, and shape the discourse around sex work. It brought attention to the need for legal reforms, improved working conditions, and the recognition of sex work as legitimate labour.
4. Inspiration for Future Movements: The First Sex Workers’ Festival in Lyon inspired subsequent sex worker-led movements and festivals around the world. It demonstrated the power of organizing, celebration, and activism in effecting change and improving the lives of sex workers.

The First Sex Workers’ Festival marked an important moment in the history of the sex workers’ rights movement, symbolizing the resilience and determination of sex workers to assert their rights and fight against discrimination and oppression.

Global Recognition:

International Sex Workers Day, which falls on June 2nd, has gained global recognition over the years. While the observance of this day varies in different countries and regions, it has become an important date for raising awareness about the rights, well-being, and struggles of sex workers worldwide. Here are some aspects of the global recognition of International Sex Workers Day:

1. Activities and Events: Sex worker organizations, advocacy groups, and allies organize various activities and events on June 2nd to mark International Sex Workers Day. These can include protests, marches, rallies, panel discussions, conferences, art exhibitions, film screenings, and community gatherings. These events aim to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and advocate for the rights of sex workers.
2. Global Networks and Alliances: International Sex Workers Day has helped foster networks and alliances among sex worker organizations and activists across different countries. These networks provide opportunities for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices for advocating for sex workers’ rights. They also enable coordinated efforts on a global scale to address common challenges faced by sex workers.
3. Social Media Campaigns: The use of social media platforms has played a crucial role in spreading awareness about International Sex Workers Day and mobilizing support. Hashtags like #InternationalSexWorkersDay, #SupportSexWorkers, and #RightsNotRescue are used to share information, personal stories, and advocacy messages. This global reach helps amplify the voices and experiences of sex workers and draw attention to their rights.
4. Policy and Legal Debates: The recognition of International Sex Workers Day has contributed to policy and legal debates surrounding sex work. It has brought attention to the need for evidence-based approaches that prioritize the health, safety, and human rights of sex workers. The discussions around decriminalization, regulation, and harm reduction have been influenced by the advocacy efforts of sex worker-led organizations and their allies.
5. International Support and Solidarity: The global recognition of International Sex Workers Day has facilitated international support and solidarity for the sex workers’ rights movement. Organizations and individuals from diverse backgrounds, including human rights activists, feminists, and public health advocates, stand in solidarity with sex workers and work together to challenge stigma, discrimination, and violence.
6. Influence on Legal Reforms: In some countries, the recognition of International Sex Workers Day has played a role in influencing legal reforms related to sex work. It has contributed to discussions around decriminalization or the adoption of regulatory frameworks that aim to protect the rights and well-being of sex workers.

While the level of recognition and support for International Sex Workers Day may vary among countries, the global recognition of this day has helped shine a spotlight on the issues faced by sex workers and has spurred ongoing efforts to improve their rights and well-being.

Continued Advocacy:

Continued advocacy for the rights and well-being of sex workers remains a crucial aspect of the sex workers’ rights movement. Sex worker-led organizations, activists, and allies continue to work towards creating positive change and challenging the systemic issues that affect sex workers. Here are some key areas of continued advocacy:

1. Decriminalization and Legal Reforms: Advocates continue to push for the decriminalization of sex work, arguing that it is essential for protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of sex workers. They highlight the harmful effects of criminalization, such as increased violence, stigma, and barriers to accessing healthcare and support services. Advocacy efforts also focus on challenging laws and policies that disproportionately target and harm marginalized communities, such as transgender and migrant sex workers.
2. Health and Safety: Advocacy for the health and safety of sex workers remains a priority. This includes promoting access to comprehensive healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health services, HIV prevention and treatment, and harm reduction strategies. Advocates also work to ensure that sex workers have access to occupational health and safety measures, including protection from violence and exploitation.
3. Labour Rights and Employment Conditions: Recognizing sex work as labour, advocates fight for the protection of sex workers’ labour rights, including fair working conditions, the right to form unions or associations, and access to social security benefits. They emphasize the need for labour protections and mechanisms that allow sex workers to exercise agency, negotiate terms, and have control over their work.
4. Ending Stigma and Discrimination: Advocates challenge the social stigma and discrimination faced by sex workers, highlighting the negative impact on their mental health, well-being, and social inclusion. They work towards changing public perceptions, challenging stereotypes, and promoting a rights-based and non-judgmental approach to sex work.
5. Intersectionality and Social Justice: Advocacy efforts recognize the intersecting identities and experiences of sex workers and aim to address the intersecting forms of discrimination and oppression they face. This includes addressing issues such as racism, transphobia, poverty, and migration-related challenges that affect different sex worker communities.
6. Amplifying Voices and Leadership: Advocates prioritize centring the voices and leadership of sex workers themselves in decision-making processes and policy discussions. Supporting the leadership of sex worker-led organizations and involving them in the design and implementation of programs and policies ensures that the solutions are informed by the experiences and expertise of those most affected.
7. International Collaboration: Advocacy for sex workers’ rights often involves international collaboration and solidarity. Organizations and activists work together to share knowledge, strategies, and resources, and to support each other’s campaigns and initiatives. This global network strengthens the movement and enhances the collective voice for change.

Continued advocacy for the rights of sex workers is essential to challenge systemic inequalities, combat stigma, and create an environment that respects and upholds the rights and dignity of all individuals engaged in sex work.

In conclusion, the continued advocacy for the rights and well-being of sex workers is an ongoing effort that seeks to challenge systemic oppression, promote human rights, and ensure the dignity and agency of individuals engaged in sex work. Through organized activism, community engagement, and policy advocacy, sex worker-led organizations, activists, and allies strive to decriminalize sex work, improve access to healthcare and safety measures, protect labour rights, combat stigma and discrimination, and amplify the voices and leadership of sex workers themselves. This global movement recognizes the diverse experiences and intersecting forms of marginalization faced by sex workers and works towards social justice, inclusivity, and equitable treatment. By fostering international collaboration, challenging harmful narratives, and promoting evidence-based approaches, advocates aim to create a society that respects the autonomy, rights, and well-being of sex workers. Continued advocacy is vital in reshaping policies, dismantling oppressive structures, and ultimately achieving a world where sex workers are recognized, protected, and empowered to live their lives with dignity and free from violence and discrimination.