When: 10:30 AM THURSDAY 26 JANUARY

Where: Centre for Possible Studies (nearest tube: marble Arch)

Contact: Xanthe Whittaker – 07901 335 613

Email: xanthew@gmail.com

Overview: Global Alliance Against Traffick of Women (GAATW) have produced a fantastic report, What is the Cost of a Rumour, that debunks the myth that large sporting events generate an increase in trafficking. In London, in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics, we know that this logic has affected sex workers and their workplaces – we have seen raids and brothel closures as a result of this perceived threat and that is likely to continue and increase in the lead-up to the Olympics.

As sex worker rights activists/migrants rights activists/feminists we need to know the facts so we can the myths and have the confidence to argue against these ideas that lead to policies and practices that make our working lives harder and will leave a legacy that seeks to justify practices like raids, closures and rehabilitation orders.

Presenter: Julie Ham (GAATW) – Julie coordinated this research examining the impact of ‘demand’-based discourses on the rights of sex workers. She is based in Canada and has worked for GAATW since 2007. She holds a Masters degree in social work, and Bachelor degrees in psychology and social work, with an emphasis on anti-oppressive practice. She has worked with community-based research projects and community-based organisations in Canada working with and for women in sex work, immigrant and refugee populations, women substance users, low-income populations, and anti-violence organisations.

Admission: ALL WELCOME

More information: What’s the Cost of a Rumour report

>>>PLEASE DISTRIBUTE WIDELY<<<