THE PROBLEM

In response to the increasing numbers of sex workers and the challenges they face, various support services, charities, and organisations have been established. These initiatives play a crucial role in providing vital assistance, resources, and advocacy for sex workers. Currently, there are more than 54 charities operating in the UK, with a collective funding exceeding £100 million, and over 20 of these charities are based in London.

Despite the progress made in raising awareness and advocating for the rights of sex workers, they continue to confront ongoing frustrations, including stigma, violence, disrespect, and harsh judgment.

The need for financial stability, respect, and safety remains constant for sex workers as they navigate their lives in a state of fear, not only for themselves but also for the well-being of their loved ones. To cope with these challenges, many individuals in the sex work industry adopt practices of anonymity as a means of protection and self-preservation.

The practice of anonymity extends beyond their professional lives and into their personal relationships, where sex workers may utilise aliases even with their loved ones. This additional layer of anonymity serves as a safeguard against potential risks and helps to maintain a sense of security amidst the various challenges they face on a daily basis.

RESEARCH AND INSIGHTS

Our exploration led us to delve deeper into how sex workers establish and maintain relationships with various stakeholders in their communities.

To ensure a comprehensive and informed approach to addressing the experiences and challenges faced by sex workers, we actively sought input and insights from various sources. These included engaging in meaningful discussions with prominent organisations and individuals dedicated to supporting sex workers, as well as consulting renowned researchers in the field. We had the privilege of having insightful conversations with esteemed advocates who have dedicated their work to advocating for the rights and well-being of sex workers. Their expertise and perspectives provided invaluable insights into the realities and complexities of this issue. Additionally, we collaborated with respected sex work researchers who have conducted in-depth studies and analysis in this field. Their expertise helped shape our understanding of the nuanced dynamics surrounding sex work and informed our approach to finding effective solutions.

To ensure that our approach was not only informed but also sensitive to the unique experiences of sex workers, we sought guidance from experts in related fields. This included consulting with a trauma-informed designer and an inclusive design expert, who provided valuable insights into the specific considerations necessary for creating solutions that prioritize the well-being and agency of sex workers. We also collaborated with a design researcher in HHCD and a design studio with previous experience working with sex workers, who brought their expertise in human-centered design and a deep understanding of the lived experiences of sex workers.

In our pursuit of knowledge and empathy, we also explored a wide range of resources, including books, movies, podcasts, and blogs that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the lived experiences of sex workers. This multidimensional approach provided us with invaluable insights into the challenges they face and informed our understanding of the importance of developing effective and inclusive solutions to support sex workers in their pursuit of safety, respect, and well-being.

INSIGHTS

1. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

The knowledge gap between sex worker charities and support services hinders the accessibility of comprehensive assistance, highlighting the need for improved information sharing and collaboration.

2. Need for privacy and Confidentiality

Anonymity is a critical requirement for sex workers to feel safe and protected, emphasising the necessity for solutions that prioritise and maintain their confidentiality while facilitating access to vital resources.

3. Holistic Access to Support

Sex workers' diverse needs extend beyond their profession, necessitating access to a wide range of services; addressing these holistic needs through integrated service models can contribute to their empowerment and overall well-being.

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

We have two potential solutions.

1. A privacy-centric platform

A privacy-centric platform that allows sex workers to sign up for services privately, giving them control over the data they choose to share and with whom. This solution leverages blockchain technology to ensure secure and confidential transactions, empowering sex workers to maintain their privacy while accessing necessary services. Additionally, they can selectively share information with trusted individuals, such as friends and family, using private passwords.

2.  Integrating private details onto existing identification systems

An alternative approach involves integrating private details onto existing identification systems, such as NFC-enabled passports or driving licenses. This solution enables sex workers to visit service providers who can securely access and manage their data during interactions. Once the service is completed, the updated information is loaded back onto the passport, ensuring data integrity and erasing any trace of the transaction from the system.

We are currently exploring both these solutions, weighing the pros and cons and figuring which one to take further. We are also keeping in mind the speed, scale and scope of project so that whatever we do, gets implemented on ground.