Paju City held a ‘Walking on a Travel Road’ training at the Yeonpung-ri Cultural Theater at 10 a.m. on the 12th with the participation of about 40 citizens, including the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the Unjeong 4-dong and Unjeong 5-dong Bank Account Councils, and the anti-prostitution citizen activity group ‘Clearing’.
The ‘Walking on the Road’ training, which started in March 2023, is an educational program that includes walking around prostitution hotspots along with prostitution prevention education. It is being carried out to build an active consensus for closing prostitution hotspots through citizen participation and to spread a culture of gender equality. This is education to improve awareness of prostitution.
Citizens who participated on this day discussed the anti-prostitution policies of each country in the world, the reality of thriving prostitution centers in Paju, the anti-human rights behavior of prostitution, the importance of a safe community environment without prostitution, and the need to close prostitution centers. I sympathized.
A citizen who participated in the walk said, “I vaguely thought that prostitution was illegal and bad, but through today’s training, I learned deeply about its reality and social problems.” He added, “I am interested in citizen activities to close down prostitution hotspots that create a vicious cycle of prostitution.” “I will join in,” he said.
The city plans to continue citizen participation activities to close prostitution hotspots by continuing ‘Walking the Travel Road’ education until December of this year.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere of building owners’ voluntary correction and business closure is spreading in the Yeonpung-ri prostitution hotspot, where administrative enforcement is in progress as part of the closure of the prostitution hotspot.
Currently, 5 out of 15 wards subject to execution have been corrected, and 10 wards have been partially corrected, through a total of 6 administrative proxy executions jointly with city officials, related organizations, and professional companies, starting with the first administrative execution in November 2023 at the prostitution hotspot. In relation to this, Paju City won all five administrative lawsuits between building owners in the assembly area and Paju City, and two appeals are in progress.
As Paju City has carried out six rounds of large-scale execution and won successive administrative lawsuits, the number of building owners’ voluntary demolitions and business suspensions in prostitution hotspots continues to increase. A total of 28 voluntary demolitions are in progress, and the number continues to increase.
A building owner who owns a building in the area said, “Due to the city’s continued enforcement of administrative actions and successive lawsuit losses, an atmosphere is being created among building owners to close their businesses and reorganize their buildings to remove the stigma of being a prostitution hotspot. “They are making efforts to expel workers through eviction measures, etc.,” he said.
An official from Paju City said, “The court’s ruling that reflects Paju City’s opinion is a natural result, and if voluntary demolition does not occur for major buildings in operation, including those suspended due to lawsuits, we will carry out administrative proxy execution without interruption and make strong improvements.” emphasized.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Paju City
What are the main goals of the ‘Walking on a Travel Road’ training initiative in Paju City?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Sarah Kim, Expert in Social Justice and Anti-Prostitution Advocacy
Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Kim. Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent ’Walking on a Travel Road’ training in Paju City. It’s quite an intriguing initiative. Could you provide some background on its implications in combating prostitution?
Dr. Kim: Good afternoon! I’m glad to be here. The training held in Paju City is significant as it not only raises awareness about prostitution but also actively involves the community in preventive measures. This approach fosters a collective understanding of the social issues surrounding prostitution, which is crucial for effective advocacy.
Editor: Absolutely, it seems to aim at building a grassroots consensus. Participants discussed various global anti-prostitution policies. How important is this comparative analysis in shaping local strategies?
Dr. Kim: It’s extremely important. Understanding how other countries tackle prostitution can provide valuable insights. For instance, countries that have adopted decriminalization, regulation, or strict enforcement of laws show different outcomes. Engaging citizens in these discussions empowers them to advocate for tailored policies that suit their community’s needs.
Editor: In your opinion, what key factors contribute to the success of programs like ‘Walking on a Travel Road’?
Dr. Kim: The success of such programs hinges on active community participation and education. When citizens truly understand the implications of prostitution – not just the legalities but the human rights violations involved – they are more likely to advocate for meaningful change. The emotional testimonies, like the one shared by a participant who expressed newfound understanding and commitment to action, are vital for driving momentum.
Editor: That’s insightful. The training also seems to touch on the broader cultural aspect of gender equality. How does addressing gender equality intersect with fighting prostitution?
Dr. Kim: Great question. Addressing gender equality is fundamental because the exploitation inherent in prostitution is deeply entwined with societal perceptions of gender roles. By promoting gender equality, we challenge the norms that commodify women’s bodies. The culture of respect and equality can lead to a significant decrease in the demand for prostitution, which is essential for reducing its incidence.
Editor: You mentioned the gathering happening in a notable hotspot for prostitution. How does the physical location of these discussions impact the effectiveness of the initiative?
Dr. Kim: Conducting discussions in hotspots is a strategic move. It brings the problem to the forefront and allows participants to see the realities of the issue firsthand. When people walk through areas known for prostitution, they can better connect the statistics and discussions to real lives and stories. It transforms abstract concerns into concrete realities that demand action.
Editor: It sounds like continuous citizen engagement is critical. What are the next steps for the Paju initiative after December? How can they maintain this momentum?
Dr. Kim: Maintaining momentum will require sustained engagement and possibly expanding the initiative’s scope. They could organize follow-up trainings, community forums, and partnerships with local organizations to monitor progress. Additionally, creating a platform for ongoing dialogue will ensure that the community remains vigilant and committed to closing down hotspots.
Editor: Dr. Kim, it’s been a pleasure discussing this important initiative with you. The interplay between community, policy, and social norms is crucial to tackle issues like prostitution effectively. Any final thoughts for our readers?
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me. I encourage everyone to engage in their communities – seek knowledge, participate in discussions, and advocate for policies that promote human rights and equality. Change starts at the grassroots level, and every small effort counts in creating a more just society.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kim. Your insights are invaluable, and we look forward to seeing the continued evolution of this initiative in Paju City.