Altered Euro banknotes embellished with images of prostitutes are being used to discourage Ukrainian women from getting caught up in the sex trade.
These images, which are otherwise almost indistinguishable from the genuine notes, have been produced as part of a campaign to prevent women from the former Soviet state from seeking to work illegally in the EU.
They show underdressed women – obviously prostitutes – leaning against the grand examples of European architecture that have been printed on the currency's bills since its launch in 2002.
Messages warning about the real price of seeking black market employment abroad are printed across the top of the "fake" notes.
Sex trafficking is a serious problem in the Ukraine. Last year the International Organization for Migration estimated that 117,000 Ukrainians had been forced into prostitution or indentured labour abroad since 1991, more than any other Eastern European country.
Women who are trafficked abroad illegally are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, with the criminal gangs who arrange their transport often refusing to return their passports.
Prostitution is widespread in the Ukraine, which is home to more than 12,000 sex workers. The rise of sex tourism, fuelled by wealthy visitors from the US and the EU, sparked demonstrations from students in the capital Kiev this summer.
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7 comments:
that's so odd that they have those pictures of prostitutes in there, but if there is no explaination with these banknotes, it could also encourage that it is a "normal way of life" for them. It also could cause men to get more ideas in their heads. Hopefully the message they want to convey will be sent out to all the young women AND men about the harm and dangers of human trafficking and how they can prevent it from occuring to them and their friends. It's good that they want to help bring it to light as a wrong instead of as that "normal way of life".
I have been studying migration's links with the sex industry for almost 15 years and find this latest campaign mysterious. From the migrant's point of view the images promote the glamour of travel and being in Europe, more than anything else. If you're interested in more of my analysis please see Border Thinking at http://www.nodo50.org/Laura_Agustin
i agree with what victoria said, this message may be misconstrued as encouragement of their normal way of life. hopefully, it won't be.
Hello Love 146,
We really appreciate your work. The blog is helpful in keeping me aware, and prayerful, for those who trapped in sin.
Blessings,
-ML
I think some comments here might show some misunderstanding.
the Euro is a foreign currency for Ukrainians.
For people who think prostitution is a way of life, I don't think this will make them believe it is even better in the west of Ukraine (Euro zone).
For people who think going west might be an opportunity, I think the message is pretty clear that, in the middle of the big structure and wealth West, there are traps.
Good job !!
Its been so great to hear everyone's feedback. I do want to clarify one point. There is a message on the "bank notes" warning about the dangers of trafficking.
Keep the thoughts coming!
Desirea
I think it is an outstanding way to juxtapose culture andfinance, with trafficking to bring the issue to the attention of the general public.
Thank you Love146 blog for sharing!
(Perhaps other commenters misunderstood the campaign to be actually distributing counterfeit currency.)
I would like to know about the agency who created the ads, and what the copy that goes with it says.
meaningcreative.tumblr.com
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