PIH intensifies fight against sexual exploitation

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Hopolang Mokhopi

Non-governmental organization,Partners in Health (PIH),has its commitment to maintaining a zero tolerance policy towardsSsexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH).

The organizationissotake strict measures to prevent and address such incidents, and ensure that those who benefit from its services (patients, families and community members) are treated with dignity and respect.

Toka Senkoto, PIH’s Safeguarding/SEAH Manager,spoke ofthe proactive attitude of the organization in the fight against SEAHthis weekHe said PIH is focused not only on preventing these violations, but also on taking decisive action against anyone who fails to report abuse or retaliates against those who do report or participate in investigations.

“PIH is committed to protecting everyone who comes into contact with our services, including vulnerable people such as children and adults at risk. We aim to protect them from any form of sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment,” said Mr Senkoto.

Mr. Senkoto explained that within the PIH framework, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18, regardless of local definitions of adulthood. He also clarified that adults experiencing vulnerability include those over the age of 18 whowereunable to protect themselves due to factors such as gender, mental or physical health, disability, ethnicity or social status.

“Our Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Prevention Policy clearly outlines our commitment to protecting beneficiaries and staff from these violations. We set high standards of conduct for all who represent PIH and strictly enforce these standards.”

Sexual harassment, according to Mr. Senkoto, includes any unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other conduct of a sexual nature that could be expected to offend or create a hostile work environment. He noted that while such behavior often follows a pattern, it can also manifest itself in a single incident.

“Sexual abuse includes any physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under coercive circumstances, while sexual exploitation is the abuse of a position of vulnerability or trust for sexual purposes. These terms cover a wide range of behaviours that go beyond sexual intercourse, including unwanted sexual comments or advances.”

Mr. Senkotosaidthe root causes of sexual exploitation and harassment were linked to power dynamics and existing vulnerabilities. He said PIH’s policy integrated the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse with a broader commitment to addressing sexual and gender-based violence.

He also said that PIH Lesotho had set up accessible reporting platforms to encourage the reporting of SEAH incidents. Mr. Senkoto urged anyone with information or suggestions for additional reporting channels to come forward. The organization’s investigation team consists of experts who are trained to gather evidence without intimidating survivors.

“Our approach is survivor-centered, with the rights and interests of the survivor at the forefront. It is crucial that information is reported rather than hidden, as conducting personal investigations can cause further harm,” said Mr. Senkoto.

All PIH staff are required to immediately report any suspected, alleged or known incident of sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment. He said it was not the staff’s responsibility to determine whether an incident had occurred, but to report any concerns without delay.

To report concerns about SEAH, PIH offers several contact methods: Toll-free: 80012399, SMS, WhatsApp and Call: 62065422 / 57832223 and emails;[email protected]orspeak [email protected].