Women into Work: Moving On gave women that work in the sex trade a voice
The Symposium on Women, Human Rights and Prostitution is believed to be the first to bring together experts from the voluntary, not-for-profit and private sectors with those women working in the sex industry.
This national think-tank created space for new voices and knowledge about prostitution by recognizing and respecting different views and rights.
In an unprecedented revelation, from across this broad spectrum of opinions, areas of agreement emerged and constructive ways to approach and formulate new legislation and policies were suggested – consolidating the whole concept that inclusive debate is the only way to make headway on sensitive issues.
Women into Work: Moving On influenced government policy
The report From Morality to Rights: Debating Sex Work and Sexual Exploitation produced by the Symposium on Women, Human Rights and Prostitution proposes widening the debate around prostitution and urges the adoption of key principles, such as reducing the use of criminal law against women selling sex, to underpin policy.
According the Guardian on 10 September 2007 ministers are now considering proposals to prosecute men for buying sex, criminalizing the purchase rather than the sale of sex. It is believed that the symposium discussion and report has contributed to these new proposals.
Concept of using media as a resettlement tool is rolled out
The initial goal of the Inside Job pilot project was to contribute to the reduction in re-offending by encouraging women to realize their personal ambitions. Equipped with ‘A’ level equivalent qualifications in Digital Media and Radio Production beneficiaries of this pilot project have done just that; going on to work professionally in the media or within the prison producing radio shows and a weekly TV programme.
Media skills, particularly web design and animation, are in high demand with employers and consequently this project has now been rolled out into other prisons. It is envisaged that graduates from this course will continue to enter employment, so addressing the national skills shortage in the media industry at the same time as meeting government targets to reduce re-offending.
By removing eligibility criteria any woman who requires support has been able to access training Red Kite Learning provided an outreach service across London offering support to women; all women. A key rationale for the pilot project delivered by Red Kite Learning was that there is currently a gap in the support services offered for women who are not in receipt of financial support. Some women have found themselves in unsuitable employment ‘sex work’ which they want to get away from; some are mothers who have been responsible for administering childcare now require up-skilling and re-training. Many training courses and work placements have restrictive criteria (only for those in receipt of income support or job seekers allowance) or are funded by individual boroughs aimed at benefiting a geographical area rather than an individual. Consequently the aforementioned group of marginalized women is at risk of becoming further excluded from the workforce.
Red Kite Learning found it extremely difficult to control the quality of services due to the high volume of women expressing an interest in free training. Women into Work: Moving On has proved that by removing restrictive eligibility criteria and geographical barriers the need for such a service is evident and are proud that many of the women have now gone on to start their own businesses; for example in furniture repair and floristry. This is a real achievement. But, it is only the beginning. Policy-makers must take note of these lessons when making decisions regarding the distribution of training funds in the future.
