The benefits of the "Equality Model" as the only acceptable strategy for eradicating sexual exploitation were discussed under the organization of the Public Council on Gender Issues at the IFO "Equal Opportunities", NGO "Center for Democracy Development", National Council of Women of Ukraine, Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health. 

 

The 'Equality Model', known as the Swedish Anti-Prostitution Model, is a legal concept aimed at tackling demand as the root cause of the phenomenon. The purpose of the meeting is the presentation of the concept by IFU deputies, discussion of changes to Ukrainian legislation for the introduction of the model in Ukraine, which will contribute to the integration of Ukraine into the European Union.

Among the participants of the event, Special Ambassador for Combating Human Trafficking Anna Ekstedt (Kingdom of Sweden) and the Special Envoy for the International Strategy to Combat Terrorism and Organized Crime Olivier Caron (Republic of France) shared the experience of the model in their own countries. In another presentation, the executive director of CAP International (Coalition to Eradicate Prostitution), Jonathan Mackler (Republic of France) provided comparative data and spoke about the impact of different legislative approaches to prostitution in Europe. OSCE/ODIHR Anti-Trafficking Adviser Tetyana Kotlyarenko highlighted the issue of overcoming the demand for trafficking in people, women, and girls in conflict situations. Yuliya Dorokhova (Ukraine), head of "All-Ukrainian Legalife League", drew attention to the current situation related to the risks for women in prostitution and sex for survival. Gender expert Olena Zaitseva spoke about the project of changes to Ukrainian legislation to protect victims of sexual exploitation.

During the discussion, the participants formulated proposals for improving the proposed project of changes to the current legislation for the introduction of this model. They emphasized the need for further work in this direction, as the adoption and implementation of the model in Ukraine is in the interests of the state, local authorities and communities, all population groups and particularly vulnerable groups, which will contribute to Ukraine's fulfillment of international and national obligations to protect women's rights .

https://univd.edu.ua/uk/news/16808