01-July-2023
Launch event of Study on Sexual Exploitation of Boys in India, organised by STOP in partnership with the ECPAT International
Mr.
Amod K. Kanth was invited as the keynote speaker. Dr.
Rabi Raj actively participated in the event as a representative from PRAYAS for panel discussion on “Understanding various challenges and addressing the issues of sexual exploitation of Boys” and organised by Stop Trafficking and Oppression of Children and Women (STOP) in partnership with the
ECPAT International.
During the event, ECPAT International launched the Global Boys Initiative (GBI) to address the lack of programmatic responses towards the sexual exploitation of boys. The GBI had conducted a series of research projects globally, including India, to shed light on the scale and scope of sexual exploitation of boys and their protection needs. Through a groundbreaking research project in partnership with STOP, the study identified the central themes emerging from primary and secondary data sources to inform improvements to services and break down the stigma surrounding boys' experiences on sexual exploitation in
India. The in-person launch event in Delhi aimed at presenting the study findings and recommendations, shared global learnings, started conversations on the issues and engaged participants in potential avenues for action.
Prayas had contributed to the study in 2021 and their support towards building a future plan of action, which was integral.
The event witnessed the auspicious presence of Prof. @ROMA DEBABRATA (Founder, President of STOP),
Amod K. Kanth (Retd. IPS & General Secretary of Prayas JAC Society),
Shrinkhala Thapa (ECPAT International) , Aparna Bhatt (Lawyer & Activist) ,
Nair PM (Retd. IPS),
Vineet Kumar (he/him) (Global President & Founder, Cyber Peace Foundation), Smriti Shah Gambhir (Clinical Psychologist & Wellness Coach),
Indrani Bhattacharyya (Chief Executive Officer of
Cini (Cini)),
Richa Varma (Political Specialist, Embassy of U.S.A), Tapoti Bhowmick (Secretary of Sanlaap)
