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PAR Workshop 2024

The PAR Worgshop day, organized by Plano AproXima in Leiria on September 18, 2024, provided a space for exchanging ideas about sex work among professionals, associations, sex worker collectives, and other stakeholders.

Through the World Café methodology, the worskshops  fostered an open and collaborative environment, bringing participants together in discussion groups to tackle the most pressing issues in the context of sex work.

During the event, current challenges were discussed, and solutions were explored to contribute to improving the quality of life of sex workers.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the AproXima-te 2024 Awards, which recognize projects that promote inclusion and the well-being of sex workers.

Discussion “in rotation” at the PAR Workshop

Six questions, each assigned to a separate working table (moderated by an experienced facilitator), were debated by participants at the PAR Days. Attendees “rotated” between tables, allowing everyone to engage with different topics.

The topics discussed at the tables included:

  • Legislative changes and public policies — a critical analysis of current legislation, focusing on regulatory changes that protect sex workers and combat sexual exploitation.

  • Social aspects and stigma — developing strategies to fight social stigma and promote acceptance of sex workers through educational initiatives and awareness campaigns.

  • Working conditions and human rights — creating a safe work environment and safeguarding the fundamental rights of sex workers.

  • Digital platforms for safety and better working conditions — the role of digital platforms in increasing sex workers’ safety and improving their working conditions, including the regulation of these platforms.

  • Access to healthcare — strategies to improve access to the national health system, train professionals, and implement inclusive, stigma-free policies.

  • Public perception of sex work — actions associations can take in daily practice to influence and improve public perception.

Cooperation is the key for change

The PAR Inter-Team Days reaffirmed the importance of cooperation among the various actors involved in sex work — professionals, associations, collectives, and others — to bring about the much-needed change.

From this event emerged the Fact Sheet below, compiling all the ideas discussed, intended as a foundation for reflection and future positive change.

This meeting represented a crucial moment for listening, exchange, and collective building. Through this collaborative process with national entities, and based on the real needs of the sector, we gathered key measures to improve the living and working conditions of sex workers.

Our shared goal remains the promotion of safe and dignified working conditions for sex workers. This document also reflects the persistent and committed work that each of your organizations has been carrying out over the years.

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