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Description
To fight the prostitution system and defend the human rights of women and girls through an #ExitProstitution information campaign, youth empowerment and research on a national level into the exit services needed for women to have real alternatives to the prostitution system. These three components make up a lobbying and advocacy strategy to promote with Portuguese policy makers the implementation of the Nordic model - also called Equality model in Portugal - the abolitionist feminist model of the prostitution system in force in several countries, including Norway.
Summary of project results
Over the past 25 years, an outdated narrative has taken hold in Portugal, advocating for the legalization/regulation of prostitution. EXIT aimed to change this narrative by combating the system of prostitution and defending the human rights of women. This effort involved political stakeholders, women in prostitution, women''s associations, support services, academia, youth, media, sex buyers, and the public.
The project exerted political influence with the Government, Parliament, and Lisbon Municipality, resulting in several key actions:
- Adoption and implementation of Article 203 of the National Budget 2021 Law: a pilot project for the diagnosis, support, and monitoring of people in prostitution.
- Design of Bill No. 851/XIV/2: implementing the equality model and reinforcing the protection of people in prostitution.
- Inclusion in the electoral program of the PAN Party (2019).
- Adoption of the Municipal Intervention Strategy in prostitution in Lisbon.
- Proposal of a national strategy for preventing and supporting the exit from the system of prostitution.
Work carried out for and with young people included:
- Four training actions aimed at young people.
- Twenty-seven awareness actions carried out by and with young people, reaching a total of 705 youngsters.
- The 1st National Meeting of Young Abolitionists in Lisbon.
Knowledge production efforts included:
- The 1st Diagnostic Study on Women in the System of Prostitution in Lisbon, with scientific coordination by ISCSP (University of Lisbon) and a monitoring committee with representatives from nine public entities and four women''s associations.
- Two policy papers and six information sheets in Portuguese and English.
Information dissemination included:
- The website exitprostitution.org.
- Two campaigns: #ExitProstitution (social networks) and #SayNoToProstitution, aimed at discouraging demand and disseminated via billboards, posters, leaflets, and information sheets.
- Production of a video documentary "Consent is not for sale".
- An international seminar held in-person (110 participants) and online.
- Thirteen videos and fourteen communications published.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 52 youths mobilised by NGOs to engage in human rights work;
- 2 awareness raising campaigns carried out;
- 13 NGOs engaged in advocacy work on human rights;
- 2 national policies and laws influenced;
- 96% share of target group showing concern for human rights.
For capacity building, the promoter conducted a needs assessment and developed an action plan. This led to a focus on enhancing communication strategies through media training, marketing, and social media management.
All proposed targets were met and exceeded.
Summary of bilateral results
Kvinnefronten, a Norwegian partner organization, actively contributed to the project by participating in partnership meetings, sharing knowledge about Norwegian law and equality campaigns, and providing policy recommendations. Despite pandemic-related challenges, they voluntarily worked over 100 hours, exceeding the budgeted hours. The partnership is set to continue with a new project proposal focused on women''s and girls'' human rights.