We continue our Realstars tradition where we pose questions to various individuals. We ask them to reflect on Fair Sex and its opposites. This time we asked Alexandra Pascalidou. You know her for her multi-talent; as a journalist, writer, broadcaster, producer, lecturer and master of ceremonies. Realstars’ plans are in full motion in time for this year’s Anti Trafficking day which is held in Stockholm Oct 17th at Teaterstudio Lederman. It’s an event with discussions led by Alexandra Pascalidou with many exciting guests joining us for the day.
1. What makes you happy?
The occasional microscopic steps humanity takes in the right direction towards a fair and equal world. When Saudi Arabia finally passed a law that will protect women from domestic violence. When the wave of rape in India incites protest and makes the justice systems realize how many women are at risk. When powerful individuals understand that their own fortune depends on the collective prosperity.
2. What would you do to make the world a better place?
I do what I can every day from the humble position I’ve claimed on my own capacity. I write and talk about how people are at risk. I try to open the eyes of others and aid the heroes who dedicate their lives to making the world a little bit better.
3. What social challenges must be overcome in order to stop trafficking and unfair sex (various forms of abuse).
The challenge lies in breaking apart the misogyny hidden in places of power – to interrupt the criminal trade which reduces women to pieces of meat and trade goods – and to reveal structures and attitudes that have turned a blind eye to abuse and continue to downplay it with various excuses.
4. Your new book is out come autumn and is called Kaos. What’s it about and what are the trafficking connections like?
Kaos – a crisis collection which will be published by Atlas Bokförlag. It’s a close study of the anatomy of the crisis. It depicts how women become victims of the crisis, how their bodies are used and abused, how the safety nets vanish and let them fall free, how prostitution increases when it becomes the only viable path away from poverty for many single mothers and young women. I visit brothels and non-profit organizations that work with victims of trafficking, among other things.
5. What is needed in order to stop the sex trade and the men who pay? What is the greatest benefit the Sex Trade Law brings?
We don’t need more words of sympathy. We need action. We need laws we can support. The Sex Trade Law is about the value of human beings as an uncompromising cornerstone.
Malin for Realstas
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