Documenting the impact of COVID-19 on sex workers across Europe and Central Asia
Red Light COVID Europe was a collaborative project documenting how the COVID-19 pandemic affected sex workers and their communities across Europe and Central Asia. The project collected testimonies, policy responses, and community-led solutions from organisations in over 30 countries.
The pandemic exposed and deepened existing vulnerabilities faced by sex workers — loss of income, exclusion from social protection schemes, increased police harassment, and barriers to healthcare. Community organisations responded with mutual aid, digital outreach, and advocacy for inclusive pandemic responses.
Sex workers across Europe reported income losses of 75–100% during lockdowns, with the majority excluded from government support schemes due to criminalisation or informal employment status.
Over 50 sex worker-led organisations mobilised emergency funds, distributed hygiene supplies, and established digital peer support networks during the pandemic.
The project advocated for universal access to healthcare, decriminalisation of sex work, and inclusion in social protection measures regardless of employment status.
Explore our collection of resources and partner reports documenting the pandemic's impact across the region. Materials are available in English, German, Italian, and other European languages.