Protection Against Sexual Exploitation & Abuse || GBV in Emergencies - Afrocentric Masterclass

Day: 3 Lecture Note

Topic: PSEA & GBV in Emergencies 

📍 Sexual Abuse vs. Sexual Exploitation Explained

The instructor explains the differences between sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. He emphasizes that sexual exploitation involves a power imbalance where someone in a position of authority uses that power for sexual gain.

🔹 The class discusses how sexual harassment can be a precursor to sexual exploitation if the victim succumbs to the harasser's demands.
🔹 The instructor uses real-life examples to illustrate these concepts, including scenarios in emergency contexts and professional settings.

🧠 Addressing Sexual Exploitation With Cultural Sensitivity

The speaker discusses the importance of using emotional intelligence and African cultural context when dealing with cases of sexual exploitation and abuse in NGO settings.

🔸 He argues against blindly following Western-style whistleblowing policies, suggesting instead to first try addressing issues through local community and religious leaders.
🔸 The speaker shares examples of how reporting abusers without considering potential consequences can backfire, potentially harming the whistleblower or causing wider organizational damage.
🔸 He emphasizes using discretion, cultural awareness, and self-protection when addressing misconduct.

⚖️ Sexual Harassment vs. Sexual Assault

The instructor explains the difference between sexual harassment and sexual assault.

🔹 Sexual harassment primarily involves verbal actions and non-physical behaviors, such as unwanted comments, jokes, or quid pro quo situations.
🔹 Sexual assault, on the other hand, is specifically related to physical acts, including unwanted touching, groping, or rape.
🔹 He emphasizes that these terms are not interchangeable and have different legal implications.
🔹 Using examples and visual aids, he encourages participants to understand conceptual differences rather than simply memorizing definitions.

🔍 Sexual Harassment vs. Abuse Distinction

Afrocentric discusses the topic of sexual harassment and abuse, focusing on their differences.

🔸 Sexual harassment is often the first stage of sexual misconduct, which can include unwanted touching or verbal abuse.
🔸 Sexual abuse primarily refers to situations involving minors or individuals unable to give consent.
🔸 The team agrees that understanding these concepts is crucial for preventing and addressing sexual misconduct.

⚠️ Sexual Assault vs. Sexual Abuse

Afrocentric explains the difference between sexual assault and sexual abuse, emphasizing that both involve non-consensual sexual contact or behavior.

🔹 Sexual assault is a criminal act involving any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior.
🔹 Sexual abuse is a broader term, encompassing any sexual activities with a minor or someone unable to give consent due to age, disability, or other factors.
🔹 He discusses real-world scenarios of both sexual assault and sexual abuse.
🔹 The team then moves on to discuss handouts and the importance of protecting against sexual abuse and exploitation in organizations.

👗 Men's Reactions to Women's Clothing

The discussion covers how men react to women's clothing choices and the appropriateness of confronting women about their attire.

🔸 Afrocentric shares a personal anecdote from his teaching days, illustrating how men can be affected by women's clothing.
🔸 The group debates whether it's acceptable to chastise women for dressing provocatively.
🔸 Afrocentric emphasizes that it is not appropriate to confront or correct women about their clothing choices.
🔸 He explains that what’s considered indecent dress is context-specific and that people should practice self-discipline rather than policing others' attire.
🔸 The conversation also touches on a false rumor about arrests in Anambra State for women not wearing underwear, illustrating the complexity of the issue.

📜 PSEA History and Core Principles

Afrocentric guides Eucharia through the history of PSEA, emphasizing the importance of understanding its origins and core principles.

🔹 They discuss the first allegations of SEA in 2002, the formation of PSEA in 2020, and the role of the UN and implementing partners.
🔹 Afrocentric clarifies the definitions of sexual abuse and harassment and the core principles of PSEA, including:
✅ Zero tolerance for misconduct
✅ Prohibition of sexual activity with children under 18
✅ Obligation to report concerns regarding SEA
✅ Creating a safe environment for meetings