Transforming masculinities and preventing sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse by aid workers: a qualitative review

Abstract

Sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse (SHEA) by civilian humanitarian aid workers is a severely understudied phenomenon with devastating effects on local communities and individuals. Humanitarian actors have attempted to address the problem with the implementation of zero-tolerance policies and improved reporting mechanisms. This qualitative study investigates the outcomes of using pedagogies based in experiential and personal narratives on men’s thinking about patriarchy as a tool of primary prevention within Plan International, an aid and development organisation. Findings suggest that the experience of sharing stories makes staff aware of the ways in which patriarchal beliefs contradict their values. This dissonance leads men to change their behaviours at work and at home, as well as to challenge their colleagues’ attitudes on homophobia and sexism. This pedagogical approach reduces the localisation burden of the workshop; however, local knowledge remains critical. The findings suggest ways forward in the broader sector’s approach to localisation.