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Project details

Start date: Oktober 2019
Status: Afgerond
Duration: Vijf maanden
Country: Nederland
Partner organisation: Ministerie van Justitie en Veiligheid, Gemeente Tilburg

Sustainable Development Goals

PAR Report

Other related readings

Destigmatizing Sex Work in Tilburg

A PAR on the ways in which stakeholders can reduce the stigma surrounding sex work in Tilburg.

“In the fall of 2019, we, Mischa and Minke, started a Participatory Action Research in the municipality of Tilburg to reduce the stigma around sex work. This video, recorded by the Ministry of Justice and Security in collaboration with Seksworks and the municipality, shows the important lessons the participants learned about stigma, sex work, and collaboration during the Participatory Action Research. 

We are proud to have contributed to this initiative. We hope that it also inspires other municipalities to find solutions for complex issues, such as those surrounding sex work, using this methodology.

Through organizations like SWAD, the Sex Worker Alliance for Destigmatization, we continue to advocate for reducing the stigma on sex work through Participatory Action Research. Be sure to explore the SevenSenses website to learn more about the methodology and training opportunities!”

 Destigmatizing Sex Work in Tilburg

Project team

Situation

Sex workers worldwide face stigma and violence. Violence against sex workers often correlates with stigma. Destigmatization of sex work is therefore crucial. This Participatory Action Research (PAR) focuses on ways in which stakeholders can reduce the stigma surrounding sex work in Tilburg. In this inaugural PAR conducted by and for sex workers, not only sex workers are involved. They collaborate with the municipality, police, social workers, and other stakeholders to initiate a positive change for sex workers in Tilburg and surrounding areas. Too often, prostitution policies or programs are designed without involving sex workers. Through this pilot, we aim to investigate whether Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a successful methodology for engaging sex workers, municipalities, police, and social workers in finding suitable solutions and promoting collaboration.

PAR Design

Outcome

Six themes emerged from the action research that are important for all stakeholders and contribute directly or indirectly to reducing the stigma of sex work. These themes include 1) Destigmatization, 2) Accessible support services, 3) Collaboration, 4) Seksworks Advisory Group, 5) Safe workplaces, and 6) Accessible police and municipality services. Actions have been co-created on these themes by sex workers and other stakeholders such as police, municipality, and welfare organizations, which are currently being implemented.

Impact

By collaboratively devising solutions around these themes, change has already been initiated, and participants feel motivated and empowered to continue, resulting in many significant and tangible outcomes in a short period. The Seksworks Advisory Group has grown both literally and figuratively, along with the collaboration between all parties. More understanding and solidarity have emerged. Sex work and the positive collaboration in Tilburg have received favorable attention in the news. A joint consultation service has been established. Prostitution Social Work at Hart voor Brabant received a new neutral name. Clear information about sex work, regulations, and various facilities has been developed in the form of a flyer and the Seksworks website. Joint workshops are being developed with sex workers, police, and the municipality. The police have initiated new initiatives to improve collaboration with sex workers and address misconduct together. The first steps towards a non-profit brothel by and for sex workers have been taken. Furthermore, the parties have agreed to continue meeting regularly to develop new action plans. Together, these initiatives form a solid foundation for further destigmatization and collaboration around sex work in the municipality of Tilburg. This will contribute to the healthy and safe sector desired by all participants.

Based on our experiences, it is evident that PAR regarding sex work is not only successful in finding and implementing solutions to issues such as destigmatization but also promotes mutual understanding, collaboration, and meaningful participation.

Project images