What is the work they do?

Within the Arrats partnership is the Aukera programme, we started work in 1998. Last year, for example, we worked with almost 1,200 prostitutes. We worked in Gipuzkoa. We have two ways of working; on the one hand, we work in the places we have in Donostia and Irun, where women get closer to what they need, and on the other hand, we get closer to their workplaces: the floor, the club or the street. We provide condoms and lubricants, but we also provide advice. We are here to help them in what they need.

What is the main objective of the programme?

Care for those who wish to continue to practice prostitution and meet their needs. The main objective of our program is to show that they have a space in society and that they have a place to listen and understand them. To have a place that does not judge them for prostitution.

What fears or doubts do they have above all?

Each person brings their concerns back, which can be very different. Some ask about foreign law, others ask about professionalism, where to go for analysis… They ask us a lot of questions. At first they usually come to visit us to collect the condom and a relationship is created between us, developing trust.

Abolition, legalisation… The debate is on the table.

We have had that debate for some time and we understand all the positions. But that's not where we go, we reclaim rights. Our program is called Aukera, and it's no accident. We know that it is a very difficult profession and that stigma is there. So if a person is saying he wants to get out of prostitution, we understand him, but also if he's saying he wants to go on. We are in favour of rights and not of judging. But most of the women who come to us are in favor of legalization. Another thing is how it will be done if it is legalised. But if it is done wisely, they are in favour of it. They fear stigma at all times.

How can citizens help?

Society must understand them. I think a lot of education is still needed so that these people don't see themselves as criminals. The important thing is to see it as the rest of the people. They need to be understood and not judged.