Title of Event:

Name of Organisation(s):

Date and time of the session:

On the Street Off the Street: Women, Safety and Security in Urban Places

The Vancouver Agreement, PEERS Vancouver, WISH, PACE and SWAN, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Union of Sex Workers/ Sindicato de Trabajadores Sexuales, Chile; Community Intersectoral Methodological Model (MOMIC), Chile; andVision Sisters Working Sisters/Interfaith Group, Kenya.
June 22, 2006, 4:30-6:30 pm

Key Highlights

1. Estimated no of participants: 90
2. Stakeholder group representation at the event: 15
3. What were the expected objectives: The central objective was for non-governmental organizations, grassroots workers, civil servants, researchers and community members to share experiences and strategies to improve the lives and security of women and youth at risk of sexual exploitation.
4. What did the networking event achieve: The event strengthened both local and international level partnerships during pre-event meetings and the networking session and side event. It also reaffirmed that the safety and security of women and youth at risk of sexual exploitation is a global issue that should be addressed by the United Nations and the Millennium Development Goals.

2. What were the core issues identified in your event as they relate to the theme and sub-themes of WUFIII?

The core issues primarily relate to the WUF III sub-theme of 'social inclusion and cohesion.' All of the panel speakers identified that despite the long-standing persistence of the sex industry and sexual exploitation in urban areas, these issues continue to be overlooked and often remain 'invisible' within formal urban development discourse. This limited recognition contributes to: the social stigmatization and marginalization of vulnerable populations, the significant underreporting of abuse, limited or no safeguards for sex industry workers and the ongoing cycle of poverty and violence.

3. What were the main points raised by panellists and participants in relation to these different issues? What new ideas have been generated as a result of the discussion?

The safety and security of women at risk of sexual exploitation was highlighted as a fundamental urban issue because improving the lives of these individuals produces radial benefits in households and communities. An additional main point raised by panellists was that in order to effectively increase the safety and security of women and youth at risk of sexual exploitation, initiatives should be formed through ongoing dialogue that is inclusive of the perspectives of community members, social service providers, policy makers and law enforcement. In addition, actions should be deployed through multi-pronged partnerships and be responsive to community needs while also creating greater safeguards for women and youth at risk of sexual exploitation.

4. What process steps have been identified in your event that could help turn ideas into operational reality?

In order to turn ideas into operational reality, first and foremost there needs to be greater recognition at an international and local level that sexual exploitation of women exists and is a problem. Ongoing social and financial support from various governmental and non-governmental organizations is necessary to ensure the development and advancement of community-based support services and multi-pronged initiatives. In order for these initiatives to be successfully deployed into action, logistical frameworks should be supported by both community members and legislation. Further actions are needed to gain greater legislative support.