Action for REACH OUT (AFRO)

Written on 16 March 2009.

Action for REACH OUT (AFRO) was formed in 1993 to foster the self-representation of sex workers and to provide necessary services and support to women working within the commercial sex industry in Hong Kong as well as women coming to Hong Kong from other countries. AFRO's main goal is to form a support network for women working within the commercial sex industry in Hong Kong. Services provided by AFRO include skills training, drug rehabilitation, a drop-in centre, hotline, referrals for support services, health screening, newsletter preparation and peer education on issues such as legal rights, life skills and health. Outreach workers visit nightclubs, karaoke bars, hair salons and the women working on the streets. Workers accompany women to the doctor, through the legal system, and make prison visitations. AFRO also works to increase public awareness of sex workers' rights.