TRAFFICKING POLICY IN CEE: A GENDER PERSPECTIVE? Sara Clavero Yvonne Galligan Queen’s University Belfast

Background to the Study Project objective: “Evaluate women’s influence on the adoption and implementation of Commission and national policies such as gender mainstreaming and the equality acquis” Trafficking as a GM case study  New policy  Bottom-up policy

A Gender Equality Perspective in Trafficking Policy No consensus among feminists on understanding and approaches to the problem Trafficking Protocol Inclusive process Genders victims of trafficking Links trafficking, prostitution and sexual exploitation Focuses on rights for victims Addresses structural factors Acknowledges issue of demand

Trafficking Legislation and Policy Integrated anti-trafficking law only in 2 countries National programmes only in 5 countries Focus on criminal aspects rather than prevention and victim support Demand side of the problem not acknowledged Not inclusive process

Role of NGOs Great diversity of NGOs in relation to focus and approach to trafficking Most NGOs involved in a broad range of activities in the areas of government lobbying, awareness-raising and victim protection and support Difficult cooperation among NGOs Trans-national networking

Conclusions GM in trafficking policy of CEE Lack of a gender-sensitive approach to anti-trafficking policy and legislation Women’s interests, needs and experiences excluded from policy-making GM theory Exposes political character of GE/GM Vindicates a participatory model of GM implementation