The Township of Esquimalt has received an award from the Union of B.C. Municipalities for its partnerships with local organizations to help sex workers exit from the industry.
The Community Excellence Award for Partnerships acknowledges partnerships at the local government level in the province.
The township, along with PEERS Victoria Resources Society, the Bridges for Women Society and the Victoria Community Micro Lending Society, delivered a small business training programs from October to April to group of women working in or exiting from the sex worker industry.
The $25,000-program included classroom sessions, individual business coaching meetings and workshops.
In the end, six women completed the program, which was the township’s goal.
“This is an outstanding example of innovation by township staff in our community,” said Mayor Barb Desjardins. “We hope that this is a model that other municipalities can use in promoting healthy communities.”
The PEERS Victoria Resources Society has received additional funding to deliver the program again in fall.
