It was so great to meet COSWAS in Taipei after first meeting them in Mama Cash in 2007 on their way to support sex workers in Sweden. We have always been actively following the media created from COSWAS, including their beautiful documentary, Our Life Saving Vinegar – which explores former sex workers producing and bottling “life saving” vinegar to support their own lives. On my visit to their office and center in an old red light district of Taipei, I luckily had a taste of this vinegar myself, very tasty and good for women organs!

COSWAS is busy advocating for current and former sex workers. In addition, they work with alliances of many other organizations that support marginalized communities in Taiwan. They are active with making media and documentaries, also giving workshops and offering cameras to their participants.

The building across the street from the center is an amazing, and thanks to them a historical monument. It is an old brothel from the 30’s or 40’s. The rooms are kept in tact as a sort of visitor’s center. It is also a monument and homage to a sex worker activist who championed for sex worker rights.