In early December, around forty participants gathered for a competence day in Karlstad, focusing on the Thai massage industry and the challenges of combating labor and sexual exploitation. The event was organized by regional coordinators, RealStars, and the County Administrative Board of Värmland. Another initiative in the region has been a campaign aimed at reducing… Read more »
Throughout the fall, RealStars Stockholm has been able to continue its important work of reaching out to women working in Thai massage parlors. This work plays a crucial role, as our process leader often has the opportunity to visit salons and discuss the situation with the women there. Some of them face daily sexual violence… Read more »
In the beginning of November, it was time for the EU’s autumn conference and meetings for civil society organizations and national rapporteurs in Brussels. The Commission and the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator hosted the events, but the country holding the presidency left its mark. This term, the presidency was held by Spain, a country that in… Read more »
The campaign website for Happy Ending is now live. A glance at the website gives those seeking to purchase sexual exploitation something to reflect on, as it reclaims the original meaning of the term. RealStars’ goal is to engage a wide audience in working toward a zero-tolerance vision, where no one is subjected to sexual… Read more »
Kvinnor Emellan [Between Women] met in the middle of October in Gothenburg. We had as usual a worthwhile discussion and a good exchange of experiences, and this time we were four participants who all have had coaching with “Växtkraft Thai”, an individually adapted support to change. This support has led to us taking one more… Read more »
Realstars has since several years worked to counteract sexual exploitation in Thai massage salons. As early as 2019 we wrote in a debate article, demanding a retake, but sadly the situation today is not looking any better. In pace with Thai massage salons in Sweden increasing in numbers, more and more Thai woman are falling… Read more »
The Realstars project Växtkraft Thai has recently begun to form, the aim is to provide support and better conditions for young women working at Thai massage institutes in Gothenburg, Malmö and Stockholm. The core is to be able to work in a serious and safe environment, within a healthy business and without stigma. The… Read more »
Despite the fact that we find ourselves in a pandemic with restrictions and social distancing, men are still wanting to purchase sex. Sex purchasing in hotels have become more difficult, which creates an increased concern for the vulnerability amongst workers on Thai massage parlors and for women and children on the internet. RealStars and the… Read more »
Through RealStar’s pioneering efforts with Thai massage salons, we have had hundreds of conversations with women and men at the salons. A frightening picture of the situation emerges with sexual exploitation, insecure work environment, vulnerability and lack of support and integration. Our initiative breaks the silence and we are proud of the film and labeling… Read more »
The sex trade at Thai massage parlors has expanded and proceeded undisturbed around the country. Now the organization RealStars is launching a labeling and an educational film to focus on demand with the support of the Sex Purchase Act. The industry is involved for a joint force demonstration. Sex purchases at hotels and during the… Read more »
