ABOUT WAR AND SEX WORK IN UKRAINE WITH HANNA PRODANCHUK, CZERNOWITZ CITY

WE CONTINUE OUR SERIES OF INTERVIEWS ABOUT WAR AND SEX WORK. Almost a year has passed since the last public conversation with our regional representatives. Back then, we talked about the impact of the war on the lives of Ukrainians, the fate of sex workers and sex work in Ukraine. Today, we decided to return to this conversation and to analyse what has changed over time and what remains the same.

Natalia Dorofeeva (ND), CO “Legalife-Ukraine”: Almost a year has passed since our last interview. Tell us how you are, how you live, what important changes have taken place in your life since then?

Hanna Prodanchuk: My family and my work are the most important and definitely life-saving things for me. They inspire me and motivate me, this gives me joy, brings me a sense of significance and fulfilment.

Work is an important part of my life, which is a source of opportunities, self-realisation, and also a useful life and professional experience. Direct interaction and assistance to community members provides additional support, it is easier to cope with difficulties, share resources and improve ourselves together.

I love corporate meetings and offline trainings, which I have been attending throughout the year. As a joint cohort, we find new ideas, approaches and solutions to strengthen and improve the work of the organization.

I was able to improve my self-development skills at trainings and better understand my weaknesses and strengths. Thanks to the knowledge and experience I have gained, I feel more confident in my decisions and actions now, and this trainings has helped me to better interact with people, resolve conflicts and achieve understanding.

The sincerity and dedication of colleagues and like-minded people in the Legalife community has a broad positive impact on my life, inspiring and motivating me for achievements and victories.

In this photo: participants of the VII All-Ukrainian Conference on the Decriminalization of Sex Work, 2024

ND: How are you and your loved ones coping - I mean material problems, mental health of family members, other problems caused by the war?

Hanna: I am one of those who are happy with what I have, because I know what it is like when you have nothing. Despite being busy and tired, we try to maintain unity and support within the family. I am happy that I have a home, live in a "no-fly" region, see the smile and joy of a child.

ND: And what about your wards, what has happened in your initiative group this year?

Hanna: New participants are joining us, representatives from other vulnerable categories of people (PLHIV, PWID, LGBTQ+) take part in the classes, this contributes to a better understanding of each other’s needs and problems. I try to prepare useful topics that mobilize the community and help to jointly overcome the prejudiced and stereotypical attitude of society towards us.

In this photo: a partnership meeting with the NGO "Insight"

I am proud of the trust and every personal change in the lives of SWs: some have started treatment for addiction and chronic diseases, have received pension payments, have found a part-time job, etc.

And thanks to cooperation, we have the opportunity to receive legal assistance, attend interesting information events, receive consultations from psychologists and help from consultants from friendly communities on the medical and social needs of SWs.

ND: Anna, it is clear that in the third year of the war, people are very tired, and it feels like the tension is growing. Do you think that in such conditions, positive changes in the attitude of society and the authorities towards sex workers and sex work are possible?

Hanna: The main factor that influences changes in public opinion, in particular regarding sex work, is the active advocacy of NGOs and human rights groups. So far, only their dedicated efforts and active calls for decriminalisation of sex work and combating discrimination have reduced the level of violence and stigma against sex workers.

Self-stigma is a devastating consequence of social condemnation and rejection. Feelings of shame and guilt are common among sex workers, due to the common stereotypes, discrimination and stigma that they constantly experience.

Many girls consider their work to be ‘wrong’ or ‘unworthy’ due to imposed societal norms and moral institutions, which negatively affects their relationships with themselves and others. Due to the fear of judgement and discrimination, SWs often avoid social relationships, limit contacts with family and friends, hiding their profession, and this leads to isolation.

‘NOT THE TIME’ - this indecision of state officials on decriminalisation today multiplies the vulnerability of sex workers. Sex workers face strong prejudice, their rights are often ignored, and the level of violence remains high.

In countries where sex work is decriminalised, fewer resources are spent on arresting and prosecuting sex workers. These resources can be directed to more effective social programs or support for other areas such as health, education, etc.

Decriminalisation in Ukraine would allow businesses to operate legally and pay taxes, which would increase much-needed state revenues in wartime. Legal work would provide better working conditions and access to social and medical benefits, which would undoubtedly contribute to the overall welfare of the country.

ND: Does your inner circle support your ideas and initiatives for sex workers?

Hanna: During this time, I have not encountered condemnation from my loved ones or circle.

On the contrary, I am sincerely grateful for the support of sustainable organisations and communities, friendly healthcare workers, colleagues, friends and everyone who cares and is interested in changing the world for the better.  Cooperation allows us to learn from each other’s experience, better coordinate and attract new resources and support, and achieve goals together.

As for indifference and negativity, I believe it is a lack of knowledge, empathy and unwillingness to understand the others.

ND: How do social media react to your position on decriminalisation and protection of joint ventures?

Hanna: It can be different. Of course, it’s unpleasant when strangers write offensive things, call you names, accuse you of pimping, and at the same time call themselves fighters for women’s rights and freedom.

But I decided not to respond to those who assert themselves at the expense of others. I don’t want to serve emotionally people who allow themselves to openly insult others and talk complete nonsense.

In my opinion, only the opinions of close and reputable people are worthy of attention. As a smart woman, and part-time director of our organisation, Natalia Isayeva, says: ‘The dogs are barking, but the caravan is moving.’

ND: Over the past year, have you noticed any changes in the relationship between the SWs and the police? Is the situation getting worse or vice versa?

Hanna: The SWs work in vulnerable conditions and have limited access to legal protection, and relations with the police remain one of the main challenges for this key population. According to the girls, there is less arbitrariness than before the war. However, relations between SWs and police remain difficult and often negative.

In Ukraine, sex work is illegal, and therefore SWs are subject to administrative liability under Article 181-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences. This means that the police ‘decide’ whether or not to impose fines on a sex worker.

There are cases when police officers abuse their position, demand bribes or use threats and even force. Such actions remain widespread due to the stigmatisation of sex work and the lack of a reliable legal protection mechanism for sex workers. Due to systemic harassment and discrimination by law enforcement agencies, sex workers usually do not trust the police and do not expect fair treatment or protection of their rights.

ND: And what about access to healthcare: is it easier or more difficult for sex workers to get medical care today?

Hanna: Access to healthcare services for SWs remains limited, often due to stigmatisation by medical staff. This leads to reluctance to seek medical care due to fear of judgement, unprofessional attitude or discrimination.

They do not have access to psychological support within the official medical system, so charitable and community-based organisations play an important role in providing such services for SWs: we organise free HIV/AIDS/STI testing, as well as provide counselling and access to preventive measures (condoms/ Pre-exposure prophylaxis - PrEP, etc.).

Due to the illegal status of sex work, SWs remain outside the official healthcare system, which makes it difficult to access medical care, even in case of serious illness or injury. As a result, the main support for sex workers in terms of medical care is provided by NGOs and charitable organisations, which compensate for the shortcomings of the state system.

However, to improve the situation, systemic changes are needed, and first of all, decriminalisation of sex work, which in turn will ensure equal access to health services for all. 

ND: What do sex workers complain about now, what are their main needs?

Hanna: Year after year, the main needs of sex workers are access to quality and confidential medical services, regular medical examinations, free from stigma or discrimination.

Psychological support and counselling is also a critical need due to the high level of stress and emotional burnout amongst the SWs.

In addition, they need financial support and social guarantees.

SWs often face social stigma and discrimination in society, and programs are needed to help combat negative attitudes and promote social inclusion.

Decriminalisation of the activity will allow them to avoid fines and prosecution, protect their rights, which will significantly improve their living conditions, provide security and social support.

ND: What problems did you manage to solve and how?

Hanna: Many girls have gained access to quality medical services, which they did not dare to seek for a long time due to stigma and discrimination, lack of information and funds. We signed a declaration with a friendly family doctor, received a consultation and referral, and started treatment for hepatitis C. And thanks to friendly organisations and partners, we have access to condoms, free rapid tests for STIs, HIV, and hepatitis C/B.

Community members also received legal support and protection from harassment and abuse. Thanks to the referral, the community received legal assistance from free primary healthcare specialists: filing a divorce application, lifting a bank card arrest, unreasonable refusal to establish a disability group and employment, etc. This is especially important as sex workers face violence and violations of their rights, discrimination and abuse from their relatives, clients or the police.

Sex workers often live in a situation of social isolation and psychological stress, and they are also parents, wives, sisters, etc.  Thanks to partner organisations, they have the opportunity to receive support from a friendly psychologist in dealing with life and family crises.

People of concern remain outside the official social assistance system, so humanitarian assistance plays a critical role in ensuring their rights, dignity and basic needs.

In this photo: humanitarian aid for sex workers, 2024

ND: Do you think our work is relevant during the war?

Hanna: War increases the vulnerability of sex workers to violence, exploitation and abuse. Due to the hostilities and instability in the society, many state and medical structures operate in a limited way, and sex workers are often left out of the attention of humanitarian organisations. Deteriorating living conditions and the economic situation force them to work in more dangerous conditions. Stigmatisation and discrimination during the war intensifies, and sex workers become targets for unlawful actions by law enforcement agencies and government agencies.

Therefore, human rights work in times of war is vital to protecting the rights of sex workers, their safety, and reducing violence and exploitation in conflict.

ND: What is your main achievement in human rights work?

Hanna: Currently, it is the initiatives and cooperation in our city that provide access to quality medical services for the SWs, the possibility to sign a declaration with friendly family doctors, access to legal support and protection from discrimination, drawing attention to the problems of SWs and providing comprehensive support to improve their living and working conditions.

In this photo: a working meeting with Hanna Sklyarova, director of the Charity Foundation ‘Positive Women Chernivtsi’, and Volodymyr Prokofiev, head of the Alliance.Global Chernivtsi

ND: Do you feel support from activists from other regions of Ukraine?

Hanna: Yes, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Legalife-Ukraine family for their constant support and joint efforts that bring me inspiration and strength.  Thank you to my dear colleagues for always being ready to share your experience, resources and motivation, helping me in difficult moments. This proactive attitude, indomitable spirit and concern for the problems of others is a true example of unity and mutual assistance. Together we are doing an important job and this dedication and hard work is key to achieving our goals. Through mutual support, we create a strong community that fights for justice, equality and dignity for all of us.

ND: Hanna, more and more Ukrainian YouTubers have started to pay attention to the protection of sex workers’ rights and the issue of sex work regulation in Ukraine in general. How do you assess these initiatives? What would you like to convey to them from yourself and wish them?

Hanna: Blogging about sex work can have an important impact on public opinion and can help reduce the stigma of the profession. Bloggers can be an important part of supporting the sex worker community, it is an opportunity to unite, share advice and support, raise awareness of the dangers of sex workers, the problems of violence they face, etc. This will help draw the attention of the public and the authorities to the need to address these issues.

It is also important to disseminate information about STI/HIV/AIDS prevention and emphasise the need for access to medical services.

However, bloggers, journalists, and influencers who cover sex work should understand their responsibility, respect the privacy of SWs, and take into account their safety and needs. This will help to create a more informed, tolerant and just society.

ND: With the legalisation of medical cannabis by the Verkhovna Rada over the past year and the adoption of a new, more democratic HIV law, do you expect sex work to be decriminalised in the near future?

Hanna: Water wears away a stones. Currently, decriminalisation of sex work in Ukraine remains at the stage of discussion and preparation of legislative changes. There are various initiatives supported by NGOs and human rights activists who are actively working on this issue. The main goal of decriminalisation is to ensure the rights of sex workers, protect them from violence and discrimination, and provide access to social and medical services.

Legalife-Ukraine has been conducting strong advocacy for legislative changes, and human rights activists say that public opinion is beginning to lean in favour of decriminalisation, despite challenges such as the war, the influence of religious organisations and conservative views of some in society.

In this photo: Nataliia Isaieva, Nataliia Dorofeeva, Olena Fiskova, Hanna Prodanchuk during the training at the ‘School of Leaders’ for activists of the CO ‘Legalife-Ukraine’

ND: ‘Well, in conclusion, I propose to make a wish for the next year for all Ukrainians and separately for sex workers. And at our next meeting, we will discuss whether our dreams have come true.

Hanna: May the next year bring the long-awaited peace throughout Ukraine! After all the trials and challenges that the war has brought, my main wish is to restore peace, security and tranquillity in every home.

I wish you all good health and strength of mind, and let the difficulties that life brings become an opportunity for growth and strengthening. Ukrainians have repeatedly demonstrated the incredible power of unity, so let this unity help us overcome all difficulties and unite us around the values that are important to the country.

I wish all sex workers equality, safety and recognition of their rights as an integral part of human rights!

Let’s remember that the future is being built today and only by working together can we create a better home for ourselves and future generations.

Victories to all of us!

Interview by Natalia Dorofeeva, CO “Legalife-Ukraine”