In the final months of 2023, the Swedish state took an important step by placing sexual exploitation on the agenda and presenting three critical investigations. These focus on stronger criminal law protections for young people, exit programs, and the vulnerabilities associated with pornography. These issues and investigations are vital for Sweden’s efforts to combat prostitution,… Read more »
As the year comes to a close, we at RealStars want to take a moment to reflect on and share some of the highlights from the past year. While our drive to create change and make the most of every resource often keeps us focused on the future, it’s just as important to pause and… Read more »
In September, the European Parliament adopted a resolution recognizing prostitution as a form of violence against women and other vulnerable groups—a form of violence that cannot be effectively addressed as long as procuring and buying sex remain legal. The resolution encourages member states to follow the example of countries like Sweden and France by criminalizing… Read more »
A Swedish delegation recently traveled to the United States, visiting New York and Philadelphia to present Sweden’s approach to combating prostitution and commercial sexual exploitation. The goal of the visit was to foster a knowledge exchange between the two countries, addressing areas such as legislation, legal frameworks, prevention strategies, and support systems for vulnerable groups—especially… Read more »
Many of you have likely noticed that SVT recently released two series about sugar dating: Köp mina trosor (Buy my panties) and Sugarbabe. Robert Schenck reviewed these SVT series and noted that they reveal the truth about sugar dating—it’s about criminal activity. RealStars emphasizes the importance of the media scrutinizing sugar dating and highlighting the… Read more »
Advocates for a liberal approach to prostitution laws often emphasize the difference between “voluntary” and forced prostitution/trafficking. But can prostitution truly be voluntary? In this text, I draw parallels to my own experience in prostitution, recounting how curiosity and rebellion quickly turned into desperation and coercion, trapping me in a vicious cycle of prostitution and… 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 »
Throughout the year, Realstars, with the support of HM Queen Silvia’s foundation Care About the Children, organized two competitions for high school students in Stockholm. In one of these competitions, students created art to combat sexual exploitation, and prizes were awarded to the most creative contributions. The winners were selected by a jury. Realstars received… Read more »
During the year, RealStars, with the support of HM Queen Silvia’s foundation “Care About the Children,” has organized two competitions aimed at high schools in Stockholm. One of the competitions aimed to honor the schools’ work on the overarching curriculum topic “Sex, Consent, and Relationships” by mapping the activities the schools have carried out throughout… Read more »
On Wednesday, November 22, RealStars and H.M. Queen Silvia’s Foundation “Care About the Children” held a gala titled “Why ‘sex’ cannot be bought” at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Kungsholmen. During the gala, schools and students who have worked the best and most creatively for Fair Sex and against sexual exploitation over the past… Read more »
