Measures for Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and Sexual Harassment (SEA/SH)
Commitment to Protection and Safety
The EARDIP upholds a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) or Sexual Harassment (SH).
Proactive measures are in place to prevent, monitor, and respond to such incidents. Both GRMs will enable channels for grievances related to GBV and SEA/SH and will prioritise a survivor-centred approach.
Preventive Measures
- Codes of Conduct:
All workers and contractors adhere to a Code of Conduct that outlines unacceptable behaviors and sanctions. Additionally, the internal WGM will supplement existing policies and procedures, namely EAC’s Governance Code, which outlines the below concerning Sexual Harassment:
All persons working for or affiliated to the decision-making processes of the EAC shall not sexually harass a member of the public or staff. Sexual harassment includes:
- making negative advances and pressure for sexual favours;
- making intentional or careless physical contact that is sexual in nature; and
- making gestures, noises, jokes or comments, including innuendoes, regarding another person’s sexuality.
- Training and Sensitisation:
Regular training on GBV/SEA/SH for staff, contractors, and community members. - Awareness Campaigns:
Culturally appropriate IEC materials and community sessions to raise awareness about rights and reporting channels.
Survivor-Centred Approach for GBV and SEA/SH
The survivor centred approach will ensure safe, timely, and ethical responses to SEA/SH allegations from project workers and project affected workers to ensure appropriate response to a survivor’s complaint and respect the survivor’s choices.
The survivor’s rights, needs, and wishes will also be prioritised in every decision related to the incident to minimise further harm to the survivor and promote their well-being while appropriate measures are undertaken to address the perpetrator’s actions.
Specifically, the survivor centred approach for SEA/SH involves:
- Survivors are treated with dignity and respect, with their needs, rights, and choices prioritised.
- Support is voluntary — survivors receive assistance only if and when they choose to seek resolution.
- Survivors can change their minds at any point, and support will be adjusted accordingly.
- Survivors’ choices are respected, except in cases involving minors, where mandatory reporting laws apply.
- The Best Interest of the Child principle is upheld in all cases involving children.
- Survivor safety and security are top priorities, with efforts to prevent re-traumatization.
- All survivor data and information are handled with strict confidentiality.
- Informed consent is required before sharing a survivor's information with any third party.
- Survivors receive comprehensive information to make their own informed decisions.
- No assumptions are made about the survivor’s experience; all staff are trained to handle cases with cultural sensitivity, non-judgment, confidentiality, and tact.
Uptake of SEA/SH Cases
All designated grievance points at the EAC and EARDIP Project Implementation Unit (PIU) are open to receive and handle SEA/SH-related complaints. When a survivor reports a case, the information is recorded confidentially in a private setting, with full consideration of their vulnerabilities.
Key Confidential Information Recorded:
- Age and sex of the survivor
- Type of alleged incident (as described by the survivor)
- Whether the alleged perpetrator is linked to the project
- Whether the survivor was referred to a support service
If someone other than the survivor reports the case, the E&S Safeguards Specialist will encourage direct engagement with the survivor to ensure accurate and respectful handling.
Referral of SEA/SH Survivors
Survivors who report cases of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse or Sexual Harassment (SEA/SH) will be referred to appropriate support services, strictly with their informed consent, or that of a guardian in the case of children or persons with intellectual disabilities.
Referrals will be made based on the nature of the case, either to the EAC Legal Unit, the Project Grievance Management Committee (GMC), or to external GBV service providers in the following areas:
Available Support Services:
- Health:
Medical examination and treatment, forensic evidence collection, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), or abortion services, where legally applicable. - Legal/Justice:
Legal counseling and support to navigate the justice system and ensure timely case resolution. - Psychosocial Support:
Emotional support, crisis counseling, and community reintegration assistance. - Safety/Security:
Protection of survivors and witnesses, investigation of incidents, and support in legal action against perpetrators.
The referral process prioritises survivor safety, privacy, and choice, ensuring a compassionate and coordinated response.