Every year, on May 1st, the world celebrates Labor Day, honoring the contributions of workers across every industry. From construction sites to corporate offices, the holiday aims to recognize the hard work that drives our societies forward. However, there’s one group whose labor remains largely invisible and often excluded from these celebrations: sex workers.

The reality is that sex workers, whether on the streets of Lahore or in the corners of Karachi, are workers, and their labor deserves to be recognized, respected, and protected. The movement for labor rights must be inclusive of all workers—this includes those in marginalized sectors, such as sex work, who have long faced stigmatization and criminalization.

The Invisible Workforce

Despite the importance of their work in society, sex workers are often denied the recognition and respect they deserve. Whether they are involved in street-based sex work or operate through other means, sex workers face societal discrimination, criminal charges, and a general erasure of their labor’s value.

In many countries, including Pakistan, sex work is not only criminalized but is also seen as morally reprehensible, which leads to a lack of legal protection for sex workers. This exclusion from labor rights protections is a glaring injustice that needs to change.

It’s time we challenge these outdated notions and acknowledge that sex work is legitimate labor. Just like any other worker, sex workers contribute to the economy, pay taxes, and perform tasks that require skill and effort. Whether it’s providing emotional support, engaging in physical labor, or offering companionship, their work deserves the same rights, safety, and respect afforded to other professions.

The Struggle for Rights: A Shared Fight for Justice

Sex workers around the world—whether in Pakistan, India, or beyond—are demanding their rights. They are not asking for pity or charity; they are simply asking for the recognition they deserve. Their call isn’t for special treatment but for equal treatment. The fight for sex workers’ rights is fundamentally about justice.

The words, “We don’t need your pity — we demand our rights. From the streets of Lahore to the corners of Karachi, sex workers are workers. Labour Day includes us — or it includes no one,” are a powerful declaration that calls for visibility, dignity, and the fundamental rights that every worker deserves.

For too long, society has relegated sex workers to the shadows, refusing to acknowledge them as part of the broader workforce. However, movements are growing. Advocates for sex workers’ rights are pushing for decriminalization, legal protections, and access to health care, social services, and safe working conditions. These demands are not about seeking sympathy—they are about recognizing the basic human rights of sex workers.

Labor Day Must Be Inclusive

Labor Day is about recognizing the struggles of all workers. It’s about acknowledging that every individual who contributes to society deserves fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to dignity. It’s about demanding an end to exploitation and upholding the rights of those who work in all fields—especially those who face criminalization, discrimination, and stigma.

The fight for sex workers’ rights aligns perfectly with the principles of Labor Day. We cannot truly say that Labor Day includes all workers unless we stand up for those who are most marginalized. From ensuring that sex workers have access to healthcare to protecting them from violence and exploitation, the labor movement must be one that fights for the rights of everyone, regardless of their profession.

Breaking the Stigma: Changing the Narrative

One of the most important battles in this struggle is combating the stigma that surrounds sex work. The stigma often leads to further violence, discrimination, and exclusion. It also hinders sex workers from accessing essential services like healthcare and legal protections. Breaking this stigma involves changing the narrative—moving beyond moral judgment and focusing on human rights.

Sex workers, like all workers, should be able to work in safe, dignified conditions. It’s essential that we create a society where sex work is not criminalized and where sex workers are not treated as lesser beings. In order to truly honor Labor Day, we must ensure that all workers, including sex workers, are protected under the same rights and are given equal opportunities to live and work without fear of persecution.

What Can We Do?

• Support Sex Worker Advocacy:

Organizations advocating for sex worker rights need our support. Donate, volunteer, or simply amplify their voices in your community.

• Educate Yourself and Others:

Learn more about the realities of sex work and share that knowledge with others. Dispelling myths and challenging stereotypes is essential in changing the narrative.

• Advocate for Decriminalization:

Advocate for the decriminalization of sex work in your community. Sex work should be treated like any other labor, with appropriate protections and rights.

• Support Policy Change:

Support policies that protect sex workers, including those that offer healthcare, legal aid, and protection from violence.

Conclusion

This Labor Day, let’s stand with all workers—especially those whose contributions have long been ignored and marginalized. The fight for sex workers’ rights is a call for justice, equality, and the recognition that every worker deserves dignity and respect. As we celebrate the hard work of laborers across the world, let’s ensure that sex workers are included in that celebration. Only when we acknowledge and protect the rights of every worker can we truly claim that Labor Day includes all workers—no exceptions.