• December 17, 2025 marks the observance of the 22nd International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.

• What?  International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers 2025
• When?  December 17
• 2025 Observance: 22nd
• Origin: First observed in 2003
• Founders: Dr. Annie Sprinkle and Robin Few (Founder, SWOP-USA)
• Global Coordinator: NSWP – Global Network of Sex Work Projects
• Symbol: Red Umbrella

Background:
Origin: The day was first observed in 2003 after the killing of 49 sex workers by the “Green River Killer” in Seattle, Washington, the United States of America (USA).
Founders: The observance was initiated by Dr. Annie Sprinkle and Robin Few, founder of the Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP)-USA.
First Memorial Event: The inaugural memorial was held on the lawn of San Francisco City Hall, the USA on December 17, 2003, coinciding with the conviction of Gary Ridgway.
Organisers: The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is globally coordinated by the Global Network of Sex Work Projects(NSWP).
Symbol:
Origin: The red umbrella, recognised globally as a symbol of sex worker rights, originated in Venice, Italy, in 2001.
Adoption: In 2005, the International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe (ICRSE) adopted the red umbrella as a symbol of resistance against discrimination.
Related International Observances:

• International Sex Worker Rights Day: March 3
• International Whore’s Day / International Sex Workers’ Day: June 2
• International Sex Worker Pride Day: September 14