Once again, RealStars marked the EU Anti-Trafficking Day with a series of activities. In the morning, we were at Posthuset 7A to meet office workers, while on Drottninggatan, we informed the public. The hotel industry remains a crucial and growing partner in the fight against trafficking, and we are grateful for the hotels that have taken a stand. During the day, we also gave lectures to students at Grillska Gymnasiet Kungsholmen and held a Fair Sex workshop.
Action on Drottninggatan
This year, RealStars tested a new approach as interns took to the bustling streets of Drottninggatan in Stockholm during the Halloween shopping rush to engage passersby and assess their knowledge of the EU Anti-Trafficking Day. Although most were unfamiliar with the day, many were open to discussions and shared their thoughts on topics such as “sex buying” and the high percentage of Swedish men who purchase ‘sex’ abroad—an issue that is often ignored, even in unsettling times like Halloween.
Action on Drottninggatan
At the same time, we took the opportunity to inform people about the 2022 sentencing reform, which introduced stricter penalties for “sex buying”—a topic where knowledge was lacking. The goal was to raise public awareness of this important day and encourage reflection on “sex buying” and trafficking. Hopefully, those we interviewed will remember the EU Anti-Trafficking Day in the future, and we will continue to be present to educate and spread awareness about this crucial issue.
Watch the video on our Instagram or via this link: Interviews from Drottninggatan, October 18.
Hotel Visits – Hotels Against Trafficking
As in previous years, RealStars intensified its campaign in the weeks leading up to EU Anti-Trafficking Day, targeting hotels, real estate, and housing companies across the country. The goal? To get more industry players to take a clear stand against prostitution and human trafficking—issues that are unfortunately strongly linked to the hotel sector, where an estimated 25% of ‘sex purchases’ take place.
Our interns visited several hotels in the afternoon, distributed materials, offered support, and explored different ways to engage staff and guests. At many hotels, the message was clearly visible: signs reading “WE DON’T WELCOME HUMAN TRAFFICKING” greeted guests and staff, sending a strong signal that these crimes are not tolerated. We were especially pleased to be invited to Clarion Hotel Amaranten and Thon Hotel Kungsbron to witness their commitment to the cause. First Hotel G, Clarion Hotel Post, Hotel Kung Carl, and Clarion Hotel Draken also took a stand through Hotels Against Trafficking.
Hotels Against Trafficking
Opinion Piece in Göteborgs-Posten – Police Must Prioritize the Sex Purchase Law
RealStars’ advocacy and investigative efforts take place on multiple levels, and on the EU Anti-Trafficking Day, we presented our demands concerning Sweden’s enforcement of measures to reduce demand. An opinion piece by Malin Roux Johansson and Torbjörn Johansson outlined concrete proposals to combat impunity. Read the Göteborgs-Posten article here: Despite tougher penalties, buying sex remains virtually risk-free.
School Visits – Young People Engage and Create Messages Against Trafficking
In the afternoon, RealStars’ process leaders held a lecture at Grillska Gymnasiet Kungsholmen, titled “Why ‘Sex’ Cannot Be Bought.” Afterward, students expressed their thoughts artistically about the messages they took away. This was one of the most engaged classes we have visited this year, with many questions and discussions about the sex purchase law, consent laws, and why some people buy ‘sex’.
School visit at Grilliska gymnasiet
Student Comments:
”I thought the content was good and covered things we don’t usually talk about, which made it interesting.”
“Good information, you spoke well and answered our questions thoroughly. You brought up several important topics that need more attention in today’s society.”
Posthuset 7A – Engaging Businesses
Posthuset 7A
Another key initiative to reach companies was hosting an information booth at the Posthuset 7A office hotel, where RealStars once again had the opportunity to highlight its work against trafficking and engage businesses in the cause. During the morning, we launched a new corporate volunteer program, encouraging employees to contribute their time to the fight against human trafficking. The focus was on how we can work together to prevent ‘sex buying’ and protect vulnerable individuals.
Businesses from various sectors, including sexual health organizations and consulting firms, stopped by to show interest—especially in the volunteer initiative—despite it being a quiet Friday morning.
October 18 was an important day for raising awareness of trafficking and mobilizing both the public and policymakers in the fight against sexual exploitation. Through our collective efforts, we have spread knowledge, engaged people, and increased pressure to address the demand for ‘sex buying’—one of the biggest drivers of trafficking. But the work does not end here. We continue to fight every day for a world free from human trafficking and sexual exploitation, and we urge everyone to stand with us in this battle.
