The Sex Industry: A job Like any other? Miscellaneous

In the current ‘cost of living’ crisis the idea that prostitution can be a normal job, where you choose your hours and your ‘clients’ has become prevalent. But is it really a normal job? When you scrape off the sugar-coating, many of the things we expect in the workplace (like career progression, or health and safety legislation) simply do not exist.

This event will hear from women who have lived experience of the reality of the sex trade, and from those who are working to bring about change.

Come along to hear a feminist take on these issues and how we can resist.

PROGRAMME

Fiona Broadfoot: Introduction. The idea that prostitution is a normal job and a good solution to women’s financial desperation is gaining ground, especially as the ‘cost of living’ crisis and years of government austerity policies disproportionately impact women. Drawing on her own experience in the sex trade and her many years working with marginalised women and girls, Fiona will discuss whether prostitution can ever be an acceptable solution to women’s poverty in a modern democratic society.

Esther: Can prostitution ever conform with our laws, regulations and practices relating to employment? Drawing on her inside knowledge of the sex industry and her extensive legal research, Esther will discuss the Health and Safety, employment, equality law and safeguarding implications of considering prostitution a regular job.

Gemma Aitchison: Where does it start and where does it end? Gemma's talk will explore where male violence against women and girls comes from and will outline the contemporary backdrop of what’s going on for girls today. The ‘cost of living’ crisis, incel culture Influencers, the growing impact of pornography and the not all men barrier all feed in to this. Only by acknowledging something first can we go on to change it. Ending in a call to action to change the world Gemma invites you to stand with her to make the world a better place for our boys and girls alike.

Mia De Faoite: What is the Nordic Model? Mia will introduce the Nordic Model and explain why, as a prostitution survivor, she believes it is the best way forward.

Q&A

Additional speakers to be confirmed

More details