Todaa

Toda'a is human rights NGO, established in 2002 to promote the elimination of prostitution and human trafficking. Our mission is to reduce the extent of demand for prostitution and to increase government services aimed at aiding and supporting individuals who wish to exit the sex trade. We believe that prostitution is a state of economic, physical and psychological slavery. Thus, it is a deprivation of basic human rights of the most vulnerable group in our society. Currently, Toda'a is the only organization in Israel integrating the following activities; • Raising public awareness through information and educational activities - Educational project, traditional and social media campaigns, an international information center. • Promoting policy and legislative change – Knesset committees' delegation, representation in Israeli and international forums engaged in changing policy in this matter. In 2010, the Israel Ministry of Justice awarded Toda’a a citation for its contribution to the fight against human trafficking. • Individual support to people in prostitution and survivors, according to their needs. 2. Our pioneer project- Education and outreach to adolescents and young adults Studies indicate that both the entry age into prostitution and its consumption are as young as 13-14. Other studies have shown that prostitution consumption is critically influenced by social and cultural perceptions and among youngsters- peer pressure. However, the Scandinavian experience proved that through an appropriate Intervention at a young age the perceptions and values of adolescents toward prostitution can be altered. Therefore In 2015, we created a program for adolescents and young adults offering educational workshops. Program objective: • Promoting understanding regarding prostitution and changing attitudes toward its consumption Implementation The workshops are lead by professional Group Facilitators who specialize in instructing adolescents on gender and healthy sexuality. Facilitators receive comprehensive training, as well as continuing education and support. This year the program was delivered at no cost to 800 participants in high schools, youth movements, army preparatory institutes, and non formal education institutes across Israel. The program received positive feedback from participants and staff members, who reported they attained new information and formed their point of view on prostitution and its consumption as a result.