Description

Over the last few months, I’ve been able to talk to people from different sides of the debate surrounding sex work / prostitution and gain some insight into their thoughts and experiences regarding this topic and related issues. Among others, two aspects materialised as central preliminary results of the research:

Firstly, most of the people I talked to (even if perceived to be on opposite sides of the debate) agree on the vast majority of points, including which pressing issues should be focused on or in what ways the current system is insufficient when it comes to promoting the wellbeing of sex workers / people in prostitution.

Secondly, while there has been ample discourse about the subject, there also seems to be an immense lack of genuine constructive dialogue between different parties and stakeholders. While the Covid pandemic is partly at fault for this, the nature of the discourse has also been experienced as hostile and unfruitful by many.

Therefore, I would like to create an opportunity for those engaged in this topic to come together for an open and respectful dialogue in order to work collectively on possible solutions and synergies. To make this possible, attendees will agree upon certain ground rules (such as the acceptance of all terminology) and an active shift away from policy to focusing on actionable objectives.

Meeting 13.07.2023

Relevant Studies by Participants

Aaron Lee Giardina (2022): "Direct from Owner: Sex workers’ perspectives on the legislative and social changes necessary in Malta" .   Download: Full Paper & Summary Paper

Malta Women’s Lobby's (MWL) study about perceptions of rostitution in Malta. Download: Study Results

Meeting 27.10.2022

Potential challenges to focus on in future meetings

The following issues & challenges faced by stakeholders emerged out of my research so far:

Reporting & justice

o   What reporting mechanisms exist? What keeps people from making use of them? How can we make it more comfortable & safe to report?

o   What is the trial experience like? What keeps people from going through with it?  ...

Health & wellbeing

o   What services exist? How is the current system not serving certain populations? 

o   What needs in relation to health & wellbeing exist or are unmet? How do they differ for people in different situations? 

o   What role does stigma play? How can we create a more open minded culture in regards to sexual and mental health?

Information & awareness

o   Who does certain information (not) reach and why?

o   Does the nature and contentof the information affect potential strategies for dissemination? ...

Data & research

o   What do we (not yet) know? What would we need more research on and how can we get it?

o   What has (not) worked before by those who tried? What challenges exist in regards to ethics / access / funding /…?

o   What can we learn from other countries/research? 

Training & expertise

o   Who is (not) trained (properly) on relevant issues? Who could benefit from further training?

o   What trainings exist? Who is providing them? Who has the expertise?

Intersectionality & migration

o   What specific needs arise from intersecting identities and lived realities?

Education & Labour Market

o   How can we best support those looking for (other) employment?

o   What can hinder someone from gaining an education or a new job? 

. . .