Meet Tekla, the new intern at RealStars

Hi! I’m Tekla, and this fall, I’ll be interning at RealStars in Gothenburg—an opportunity I’m really excited about! Here’s a brief introduction about me and a glimpse into what I’ll be working on during my time here.

I’ve just turned 30 and I am now in my second year of the Master’s program in Human Rights at the University of Gothenburg, with a Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies. I’m particularly interested in exploring power dynamics in society and the global world, especially focusing on women’s rights.

My life has been quite tumultuous, and for several years, I struggled with addiction and prostitution. It is these personal experiences with prostitution that inspire my involvement with RealStars. I hope that what I’ve been through can be transformed into strength and determination to make a difference.

At the moment, I’m helping plan RealStars’ participation at the Gothenburg Book Fair during the last weekend of September, which has been a lot of fun so far, and I’ve already gained a wealth of knowledge. Looking ahead, I’ll also be working on social media, leading a Fair Sex workshop, and writing a series of blog posts. These posts will explore both current issues and broader reflections on sexual exploitation. One topic I’ll delve into is the challenges of using terms like “consent” and “voluntariness” in discussions about prostitution. At times, I’ll also draw parallels to my own experiences.

This semester promises to be both exciting and enriching, and I’m eager to contribute to RealStars’ work while connecting with other passionate individuals. If you have any questions, thoughts, or feedback about what I share on the blog, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at tekla@realstars.eu.