International

Project against Trafficking in Women 2003-2005


Extensive projects against trafficking in women in Northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and North-Western Russia are implemented during 2003 – 2005. The Finnish component of the Nordic project concentrates on investigating the recruitment of women into prostitution, functional support for the structures of prostitution, and the transit of prostitutes through Finland to the other Nordic countries. Geographically, the project is confined to the area of Finnish Lapland. The Finnish part of the project is financed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and it is executed by the State Provincial Office of Lapland and the University of Lapland.

The Finnish subproject started with a preliminary study. The aim of the preliminary survey was to determine the extent, character and structure of the sex trade in Lapland. The preliminary survey mapped the forms, organization and functional support structures of prostitution in Lapland, as well as the use of Lapland as a transit area for prostitution. According to the survey, prostitution originating from the Murmansk region in Russia has decreased in Lapland in the past two years.

The preliminary phase work was supported and assisted by the Finnish subproject steering group, in which all key sectors were presented. The group was chaired by Governor Hannele Pokka.

Further goals of the Finnish subproject are to develop mechanisms to prevent trafficking, to support women´s withdrawal from prostitution and to help women in prostitution. The project will also seek more detailed information on women´s health and other possible mental or social problems they encounter, as well as their economic situation. The project will offer information and produce teaching material for preventive purposes. Cooperation with Russian researchers and authorities will be surveyed.

Further information:
Project coordinator
Katja Sukuvaara