October and November have been intense months for RealStars, as we visited high school classes in the Gothenburg area and Stockholm to talk about Fair Sex. We are pleased that the school project is so popular and appreciated by the schools.
One of the highlights of the autumn was when RealStars spent four days at Drottning Blankas Gymnasium Odin. The students reflected on why some men commit paid abuses and how young people are influenced by pornography. After the lectures, we held the workshop Creativity for Fair Sex. The students created wonderfully beautiful and thoughtful posters, which were then displayed in the classroom.
Students at Drottning Blankas Gymnasium Odin created posters with messages for Fair Sex and against sexual exploitation.
Earlier this fall, we had a full day at Realgymnasiet in Gothenburg, where the lectures concluded with the students writing a Fair Sex manifesto. Some groups wrote about what needs to change at the societal level, while others focused on how to achieve a Fair Sex school. Many students emphasized the importance of discussing issues related to Fair Sex, consent, prostitution, and abuse in schools. They felt, like many other classes we have met, that these topics do not receive enough attention in education. Some students wrote, “We demand a fair system where everyone has the same obligations and human rights,” and stressed the importance of imposing prison sentences on buyers of sex, as well as providing free care, therapy, and assistance for those in vulnerable situations to find alternative income.
RealStars process leader Tekla is giving a lecture at NTI Kronhus in Gothenburg.
Sometimes we face significant challenges, especially in schools where classes mainly consist of boys and where there is a strong macho culture. Despite initial resistance, a positive change among the students becomes apparent as the discussions progress. It is rewarding to see how their thoughts on these issues evolve during the lecture. It is clear that many high school students have limited knowledge about sexual exploitation. They are often shocked by the facts and statistics we present during the lectures.
RealStars process leader Christine is giving a lecture at Stockholm Science and Innovation School.
In the coming weeks, we look forward to continuing our lectures, including for grade 9, and we are excited to engage even more students in the work for Fair Sex – sex on equal terms without violence or coercion.
Would you like to book a lecture for your school or class? Email tekla@realstars.eu (Gothenburg and surrounding areas) or christine@realstars.eu (Stockholm).
Below, you can see some of the posters created by the students.
During the visits, common myths surrounding prostitution are discussed, such as the idea that prostitution is “easy money.” Here, the students have based their work on that myth and created an incredibly powerful and expressive poster.
Girl: “I’m doing this to survive…”
Guy 1: “No one is going to believe a whore anyway.”
Guy 2: “I’m doing her a favor. She’s in on it anyway.”
Guy 3: “It’s not my fault, anyway.”
A funny twist on Donald Trump’s statements: “we need to build a law against trafficking.”
