The project aims to defend European values and the rights outlined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights through advocacy for legislative reform. Fundamental rights such as the right to work, fair and appropriate working conditions, and access to social security benefits are currently denied to sex workers. This specific social group stands to benefit from the project through empowerment initiatives and lobbying efforts aimed at changing sex work policies.
Target Groups:
The target groups of the proposed project consist of individuals working in the sex industry. This includes those who have chosen to provide sexual services as a means of livelihood, often due to a lack of other professional options, particularly for transgender women. It also encompasses those who offer sexual services to meet their basic needs, such as food and shelter, in exchange for money, often referred to as ‘survival sex.’ The target groups comprise individuals of all genders and ages, as the community of sex workers is highly diverse.
Activities:
- Support the operation of the Red Umbrella Day Centre, providing support, empowerment, and information to 172 beneficiaries on labour, health, and safety rights.
- Conduct of two focus groups with ESWA and NSWP networks, discussing European advocacy examples and strategies.
- Legal mapping and needs assessment exposing the outdated nature of Law 2734/1999 and its incompatibility with Articles 15, 31, and 34 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
- Submission of a scientific article and a policy brief with proposed legal amendments, drawing comparisons with Belgian legislation.
- Targeted advocacy meetings with political parties, ministries, civil society organisations, and human rights bodies, fostering dialogue and engagement.
Organisation of a public workshop serving as a space for open discussion and rights advocacy.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.