Abstract
This paper investigates the incidence and risk factors associated with
sextortion in accessing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services by
women in selected regions of Bangladesh. Sextortion is defined as "the
abuse of power to obtain a sexual favor" (IAWJ, 2012, p.9) and takes
place at the intersection of corruption and sexual violence. The paper
analyses original data from a standardized survey, alongside key
informant interviews and focus group discussions collected in 2021 in
four areas of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is an interesting case study as the
WASH sector is still dominated by men and gender based violence is wide
spread (World Bank, 2019). The data shows that 15% of women had
experienced sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) when accessing
water, toilets or bathing facilities. About one third (29.4%) of these
cases were a form of sextortion. Sextortion incidents most commonly
occurred in the WASH facilities themselves. The data also highlights
several risk factors of experiencing sextortion such as poverty, relying
on unprotected water sources and lack of literacy. The research clearly
highlights the need for further study of compounding risk factors and
the importance of including sextortion considerations into WASH
programmes. The paper also provides insights into perceptions about
sextortion and reasons why those affected may opt not to report
incidents.
sextortion in accessing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services by
women in selected regions of Bangladesh. Sextortion is defined as "the
abuse of power to obtain a sexual favor" (IAWJ, 2012, p.9) and takes
place at the intersection of corruption and sexual violence. The paper
analyses original data from a standardized survey, alongside key
informant interviews and focus group discussions collected in 2021 in
four areas of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is an interesting case study as the
WASH sector is still dominated by men and gender based violence is wide
spread (World Bank, 2019). The data shows that 15% of women had
experienced sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) when accessing
water, toilets or bathing facilities. About one third (29.4%) of these
cases were a form of sextortion. Sextortion incidents most commonly
occurred in the WASH facilities themselves. The data also highlights
several risk factors of experiencing sextortion such as poverty, relying
on unprotected water sources and lack of literacy. The research clearly
highlights the need for further study of compounding risk factors and
the importance of including sextortion considerations into WASH
programmes. The paper also provides insights into perceptions about
sextortion and reasons why those affected may opt not to report
incidents.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | UNU-MERIT |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Jun 2022 |
Publication series
| Series | UNU-MERIT Working Papers |
|---|---|
| Number | 022 |
| ISSN | 1871-9872 |
JEL classifications
- n55 - Economic History: Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment, and Extractive Industries: Asia including Middle East
- q25 - Renewable Resources and Conservation: Water
- d73 - "Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption"
- h40 - Publicly Provided Goods: General
- k39 - Other Substantive Areas of Law: Other
- k42 - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
Keywords
- Sextortion
- WASH
- Sexual and Gender-based Violence
- Bangladesh
- Corruption