The study involves examining sextortion – the abuse of power and position to obtain a sexual benefit – in aid as a violation of human rights and as an obstacle to sustainable development. Since sextortion not necessarily fits the definition of corruption nor gender-based violence (GBV) it tends to fall in between and not be addressed at all. The study will review existing knowledge and produce new knowledge about sextortion primarily through a contextual analysis of the situation in Colombia and Tanzania where sextortion has attracted attention in areas such as natural resources and public services sectors (water access) and the education system.
The following questions will be answered: in which contexts has the concept of sextortion been developed? How are cases of sextortion handled within current definitions of corruption? Which dynamics of sextortion can be identified at a country level? How can sextortion be understood and recognized in the national contexts in Colombia and Tanzania? How does the Swedish assistance in these countries relate to sextortion? Has it affected the Swedish aid? The report is expected to be completed in Q1 2020.
Authors: Åsa Eldén, Elin Bjarnegård, Dolores Calvo, Silje Lundgren and Sofia Jonsson.
Chair reference group: Sara Johansson de Silva, EBA
EBA project manager: Helena Skagerlind
Expected publication: Q1, 2020