Sex work – is work?

Hanka Mongard

TAMPEP International Foundation

Tampep - European Network for HIV/STI Prevention and Health Promotion Among Migrant Sex

Workers.

What is harm reduction?

Harm reduction vs. what we would like to see...

• Prostitution being the oldest profession in the world – a well known cliché

• Bad women

• Victims of male domination

Prostitution always subject to control:

• Abolitionist model

• Prohibitionist model

• Regulamentarist model

• Swedish model

• New reality of sex work:

–rapid expansion–trafficking

• HIV and sex-business

Factors of vulnerability of sex workers: • no access to health services• social marginalisation• not always able to use safe sex techniques• submission to clients• lack of personal security• influence of controllers• high mobility

What are the human rights of sex workers?

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The same as any other citizen:• right to choose one’s profession • right to have control over one’s life • right to health care • right to be free from discrimination and

stigmatisation

• right to work in safe environment• right to protection from violence and abuse• right to travel and migrate • right to social protection

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Effective strategies in work with sex workers:

• nothing for them without them!• governmental involvement• access to voluntary health services • activities directed to the clients

• contact through outreach

• peer education

• sensibilisation of police

• promotion of social inclusion

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Is sex work – work?Yes,

but it is a very specific work

Thank you and now it is your turn...