Hello! My name is Emelie, and I have just started as the new process leader for RealStars. I am approaching this role with great anticipation, and I believe this will be a very exciting and educational year. Below is a brief introduction about me and why I want to be a part of RealStars.
In August of last year, I completed my Master’s degree in Gender Studies and International Relations, which allowed me to delve deeply into issues related to gender equality. In the fall, I interned at Sida’s Eastern Europe unit, where I wrote a report analyzing the conflict in Ukraine from a gender perspective. I explored how the war and the militarization of Ukrainian society are affecting gender equality in the country. During this time, I became more aware of the increased risks of prostitution and trafficking, as sex buyers exploit the vulnerability of people fleeing the conflict.
I have long been interested in women’s rights, with a particular focus on men’s violence against women—something I see both as a cause and the ultimate consequence of the lack of gender equality in our societies today. Working on trafficking feels important to me because it is both a part of men’s violence against women that is often overlooked and an issue that occurs more frequently than many realize. Therefore, I am very happy to have the opportunity, as process leader, to contribute to the change through RealStars’ work.
In my role, I will continue RealStars’ knowledge-sharing activities, including school visits and outreach work with Thai massage parlors. I also hope to build upon our volunteer efforts and provide more dedicated individuals with the opportunity to contribute to a world free from trafficking and prostitution. This feels especially important in a time when the space for civil society is shrinking more and more.
