Template-type: ReDif-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Merkle, Ortrun
Author-workplace-name: RS: GSBE MGSoG, Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, RS: GSBE MORSE
Author-Name: Allakulov, Umrbek
Author-Name: Gonzalez Tejero, Debora
Title: Sextortion in access to WASH services in selected regions of Bangladesh
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.
Classification-JEL: n55,q25,d73,h40,k39,k42
Series: UNU-MERIT Working Papers
Creation-Date: 20220630
Number: 2022-022
File-URL: https://cris.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ws/files/106569624/wp2022_022.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 2526051
Handle: Repec:unm:unumer:2022022
DOI: