Svala Ísfeld wins largest grant for sex trafficking project

Svala Ísfeld Ólafsdóttir, an associate professor at Reykjavík University’s law department, has received the largest of 11 grants awarded for gender equality projects, mbl.is reported. Her project on trafficking for sexual purposes will receive 1.8 million Icelandic krónur.

The grants, awarded by the minister of justice, total 10 million krónur. The call for applications opened in early September, with an emphasis on projects and events supporting efforts to combat gender-based violence. A total of 25 applications were submitted.

The other grants went to:

Bjarmahlíð received 500,000 krónur for a project to coordinate services at victim centres and develop and introduce group work for survivors of violence.

Bjarkarhlíð received 500,000 krónur for a project to coordinate victim centre services through group work.

The Association for Sexual Health received 1 million krónur for a project on fathers and sons, and equality for boys and girls in discussions about sexual health at home.

The Association of Gender Studies Teachers received 1.6 million krónur for a project on the future of Icelandic masculinity, young people and ideas about masculinity and equality.

Suðurhlíð received 500,000 krónur for a project to coordinate services at victim centres.

Átak and Tabú received 1 million krónur for a project to empower disabled women and kvár in the workplace.

Sigurhæðir received 1 million krónur for ASSYST, a support project for professionals working with survivors of violence.

The Association of Women of Foreign Origin received 600,000 krónur for a peer support project focused on gender-based violence and safe referral pathways.

UN Women Iceland received 1 million krónur for a Barbershop project involving men and boys.

The Persaland Association received 500,000 krónur for education on rights in Iceland, safety and empowerment for women of Iranian origin.