Wistle

WISTLE (Women's Independence in Sex-work Through Literacy & Education) is a non profit that offers free, 1:1 English lessons to migrant sex workers living in the US. It is far too common for sex workers to be classified as either victims or criminals; the former is used to further political agendas and drive global discourse on migration, while the latter is used as justification to strip sex workers of their dignity and rights. Sex work migration is due, in part, to the desire to escape inequitable and unjust situations back home. Like many other migrants, they are seeking higher income, safe working conditions, and recognition of their human rights. However, many migrant sex workers find that their status as either undocumented or as a “foreigner” is deeply stigmatizing, placing them in vulnerable and dangerous situations, in a job that is already prone to risk. In certain contexts, access to quality healthcare, education, and even community is restricted or precarious. At WISTLE, we understand that knowing English (while living in the United States) can greatly reduce social isolation, foster community, and increase the confidence of those who wish to make themselves heard. We believe that, in offering free 1:1 English lessons to migrant sex workers, we can help contribute to this positive process. While our work by no means solves the complex issues linked to migration and the sex industry, we hope that equipping our students with English skills may lead to broader opportunities, the ability to stand up for one’s self, avoid being taken advantage of, and engender a sense of empowerment in knowing that they can navigate their environment with confidence and conviction.