We the undersigned organizations and individuals from across the world have written this statement out of concern that an initiative to support inclusiveness and intersectionality in the women’s movement is being used to promote prostitution as labour. The notion that “sex work is work” is one we believe to be fundamentally incompatible with the values laid out in a statement called “The Affirmation of Feminist Principles” which claims to oppose exploitation and discrimination in all its forms.

We know that the sex trade systematically preys on poverty and disproportionately harms women of color, children, trans women, and other marginalized communities. Any effort to legitimize it as an alternative to education and employment is counterproductive to our collective long-term goal of gender equality. Prostitution is a clear expression of the patriarchal systems of power which continue to oppress us. We agree that the male heterosexual norm has led to the systemic oppression of and structural discrimination against women and anyone who does not conform to and threatens the status quo. A universal norm, based on truly intersectional principles, recognizes the rich diversity of humankind rather than perpetuates socially constructed harmful stereotypes and gender roles that sustain and promote sex and gender inequality. We must recognize that male entitlement to the bodies of other people is a hallmark of slavery, colonialism, and other forms of racism, genocide, and domination. The system of prostitution is antithetical to equality.

We therefore reaffirm the feminist principles of the universality of human rights, non-discrimination, and freedom from violence, as well as the understanding that human rights are inherent to every person, regardless of their sex or gender. We reject the inclusion of prostitution as a goal of gender equality. We collectively fight for a world free from prostitution in which all human beings are guaranteed the right to socio-economic equality, health, dignity, and a life free from violence. This is the feminist vision we strive to realize.