Final Evaluation: Community-based intervention to combat violence against sex workers (Myanmar)

Location: Myanmar 

Grantee: Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers  

Grant period: 1 April 2017 – 31 March 2020 

Grant amount: USD 399,796 

The Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers, in partnership with Aye Myanmar Association, implemented the project “Community-based intervention to combat violence against sex workers” for three years, between 2017 and 2020. The project aimed to alleviate the different forms of violence against female and transgender sex workers through: 

•  improving access to and utilization of services for survivors of gender-based violence; and  

• increasing the understanding of and support for gender equality and HIV responses in the community.  

The project used a holistic strategy, involving various institutional and community actors to reduce female and transgender sex workers’ experiences of violence.  

Main findings of the evaluation:  

• By the end of the project, the Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers had reduced violence experienced at the hands of members of law enforcement in the previous three months from 19% amongst female sex workers and 16% amongst transgender sex workers – to 5%. 

• Community empowerment increased, with individuals expanding their professional and personal capacity. This was reflected in Aye Myanmar Association staff being hired by other organizations, overcoming their prior stigmatization. 

• Some 22 paralegals/outreach workers reached 8,904 female sex workers and 1,090 transgender sex workers through quality support services, exceeding targets. 

• During the project, Aye Myanmar Association supported 141 women gain access to justice in the courts. 

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