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The Grassroots Abolitionist Approach
What does it mean to support individuals in exiting prostitution?
The Abolitionist Grassroots Approach is one of the four main pillars of CAP International’s work. It aims to support the provision of exit alternatives for victims of prostitution while highlighting their specific impact.
Inspired by Survivors
Implemented by CAP members, this approach draws inspiration from the lived experiences of survivors of prostitution. It is ambitious in its holistic and long-term support, providing safe spaces and resources for women in prostitution to find safety and access the necessary support to heal, transform their lives, build confidence, and reclaim their power.
Tackling Push Factors
This grassroots approach uniquely addresses the push factors leading to prostitution, focusing on providing sustainable exits from this system. Unlike strategies limited to risk reduction, it offers a comprehensive and individualised pathway out of prostitution.
Concrete Alternatives
The programme provides tangible alternatives, such as shelters, housing, access to education, vocational training and job placement. The goal is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve socio-economic independence. The aim of this support is not to “improve” conditions within prostitution or to “soften” the violence inherent in it, but to break the cycle of sexual and economic exploitation by facilitating a sustainable exit from the prostitution system.
Transformative Impact
The grassroots abolitionist approach radically transforms the lives of women who have been involved in prostitution by recognising their power and resilience, enabling them to permanently exit the system.
The EXIT Programme and Handbook
Launched in 2022, the EXIT programme involves four CAP member organisations: South Kolkata Hamari Muskan in India, People Serving Girls At Risk in Malawi, Talita in Mongolia, and Maiti in Nepal. Based on the expertise of these 4 associations, CAP International is developing a series of good practice handbooks for professionals, civil society organisations, and aid agencies aiming to support individuals in prostitution.
The two first handbooks, entitled “A Grassroots Abolitionist Approach,” are now available.
Key Components of the Grassroots Abolitionist Approach
The Grassroots Abolitionist Approach is a comprehensive framework developed by CAP International and its member organisations to support individuals involved in prostitution and provide sustainable pathways out of the system. This approach focuses on two key pillars:
Holistic Support and Empowerment
This pillar prioritises addressing the immediate and long-term needs of individuals in prostitution. Organisations provide essential services such as shelter, healthcare, and food, while also offering safe spaces where women can access comprehensive support. The approach centres on empowering individuals by recognising them as experts in their own lives, assisting them in making informed and autonomous decisions.
Socioeconomic Autonomy and Exit Pathways
To facilitate a sustainable exit from prostitution, the approach offers access to education, vocational training, and income-generating opportunities. Initiatives such as job placement and social entrepreneurship programmes equip individuals with the skills needed to achieve financial independence and long-term stability.
A Path to Real Change
The Grassroots Abolitionist Approach seeks to dismantle the systemic vulnerabilities that lead to prostitution, offering not merely temporary solutions but real, transformative change. By focusing on empowerment and autonomy, this approach aims to break the cycle of exploitation and support a life free from violence for individuals affected by prostitution.
Support CAP International’s Actions
The impactful work of CAP International is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors, foundations, and individual supporters. Your donations directly support our advocacy efforts, frontline services, and capacity-building programmes, enabling us to create meaningful change towards abolishing prostitution. Together, we can make a difference.
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