#NoExcuse

In this episode, sociologists and practitioners Dr. Nof Nasser-Eddin and Dr. Nour Abu Assab unpack what it really means to take a decolonial approach in the aid sector and why this shift is essential for meaningful prevention of sexual misconduct. They challenge one of the sector's most entrenched assumptions: the belief that complete prevention is possible, calling it "the myth of prevention". Instead, they argue for approaches rooted in structural sensitivity, genuine community engagement, and transformative justice, drawing from lived experiences and frontline realities. Throughout the conversation, they bridge theory and practice, making complex concepts deeply accessible.

In this episode, a powerful conversation with two women in parts of the world vulnerable to a heightened risk of sexual misconduct within the aid system    Sandrine Lusamba is Executive Co-Ordinator from SOFEPADI - an organisation supporting the survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Khawla Al-Azraq is the Director of the Psychosocial Counseling Center for Women in Palestine. Both share the experiences of survivors of sexual violence and the holistic support mechanisms offered by local women's organizations.    We hear about the importance of respect and dignity in aid delivery, the need for safeguards to protect those who report misconduct, and the challenge of engaging men in the reporting of sexual violence. 

Emily May is a founder, activist, and author dedicated to ending all forms of harassment. In this episode, she discusses the impacts of harassment on an individual. Emily talks about the significance of bystander intervention in creating safer environments, particularly in the workplace. She also emphasises the necessity of laws to enforce humane treatment, but also the importance of culture in shifting behaviour.    We hear about the need for a holistic approach to tackling all types of harassment and promoting a culture of care and respect.

Adelle Onyango is a renowned media personality and campaigner against sexual violence in Kenya. Adelle says that when she originally started campaigning, it was fueled by anger shaped by her own experience. Now, she says her work is fueled by love for the women she supports.    The conversation covers Adelle's early campaigns and her work in providing psychosocial support for survivors. She talks about the power of storytelling in raising awareness and empathy, and reflects on the challenges of securing sustainable funding for the programs she runs.    Adelle argues for the need for a mindset and language shift in the aid sector, and the need for systemic change in how aid is delivered. 

In this episode of the #NoExcuse podcast, Guni Dias speaks with Elizabeth Wright from Interpol about her work within Project Soteria. The discussion explores the lack of empathy among offenders, the patterns and methods of sexual exploitation, and the challenges faced by investigators. Wright elaborates on Project Soteria, aimed at preventing sexual misconduct in the aid sector through innovative tools and global cooperation. The conversation also covers the importance of thorough, victim-centric investigations and the role of organisations in taking allegations seriously as well as looking at some of the worrying trends Interpol are seeing across the world.

Professor Michael Flood is a renowned researcher, author, and advocate focusing on masculinity, violence prevention, and gender equality. In this episode, he talks about how the norms of masculinity and male entitlement are interlinked with sexual misconduct towards women. He talks about how sexual misconduct is mainly an issue for men, how the behaviour of some men make all men seem like a threat, and how men have a critical role in challenging unacceptable behaviour. Professor Flood also sheds light on the cultural and organizational factors that contribute to sexual misconduct, the distinct dynamics of online abuse and talks about the equal importance of empowering victims and holding perpetrators accountable. 01:26 Michael's Journey into Gender Studies 03:47 Understanding Masculinities and Sexual Misconduct 12:01 Cultural and Organizational Factors 21:42 Online Abuse and Its Challenges 23:25 Advice for Organizations

Seyi Akiwowo, author and leading voice on digital safety, talks about the growth of online sexual harassment in the workplace.    Akiwowo, who is also a founder of a non-profit committed to ending online abuse, explains how the shift to remote and hybrid working has exacerbated the risks. She also describes how online abuse is significantly harder to detect, confront, and report compared to traditional workplace settings.   The episode also explores the tendency of tech companies to create quickly and apologise later. Akiwowo stresses the importance of the government in setting proactive rather than reactive standards of care to reduce the risk of online abuse.  

Professor Michael Salter is a leading researcher on child sexual abuse and the director of ChildLight East Asia and Pacific Hub at the University of New South Wales. In this episode, he talks about the prevalence of child sexual abuse and the particular vulnerabilities within the aid sector due to power imbalances and lack of accountability. Professor Salter explains how men who abuse children are proportionally more likely to seek professional roles that put them in touch with children. He also highlights how online exploitation and peer-on-peer abuse are growing forms of child sexual abuse.   The episode also explores structural, situational, and post-harm strategies for preventing sexual misconduct and Professor Salter emphasises the need for brave, uncomfortable conversations to prioritise child safety. 

In this episode of the WHO #NoExcuse Podcast, host Guni Dias speaks with Suzie Miller, an award-winning Australian playwright and former criminal defense lawyer specializing in human rights. They discuss the complexities of preventing and responding to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, especially in the aid sector. Miller shares insights from her career transition, the gendered nuances of legal responses to sexual assault, and the significant impact of her play, Prima Facie, on judicial education. They delve into the importance of empathy, the role of theater in driving systemic change, and the critical need for men to challenge the status quo within power dynamics. 00:00 Introduction 00:11 Meet Suzie Miller: From Lawyer to Playwright 01:27 Exploring Prima Facie: A Play on Sexual Assault 04:07 Understanding the Freeze or Befriend Response 05:25 Legal System's Perspective on Sexual Assault 08:01 The Role of Theatre in Legal Education 10:02 Empathy and Change Through Theatre 11:22 Lessons for the Aid Sector 14:43 Men's Role in Addressing Gender Violence 20:21 The Importance of Feeling Uncomfortable 25:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this compelling episode of the WHO #NoExcuse Podcast, we sit down with Tarana Burke, the visionary founder of the #MeToo movement, whose work has ignited a global reckoning around sexual violence and misconduct. Tarana takes us back to the origins of the movement, sharing the powerful vision and the challenges she faced in bringing it to life. She reflects on the movement's impact and explores how lessons from #MeToo can be applied to the aid sector to address sexual misconduct, foster survivor-centered approaches, and drive systemic change. As someone now working with UN Women on the ACT program, Tarana also shares insights on sustaining momentum in advocacy, the importance of meaningful partnerships, and the critical steps organizations must take to prioritize prevention, accountability, and healing.

Recorded live at the 2024 WHO PRS Stakeholder Review Conference, this special episode brings together leading voices in the prevention and response to sexual misconduct. Hosted by Dr. Gaya Gamhewage (Director, PRS at WHO), join Professor Frank Dobbin (Harvard University), Dr. Marianne Cooper (Stanford University), and Joelle Payom (activist, survivor, and founder of Rezalliance) as they share their perspectives on transforming the prevention and response to sexual misconduct. This conversation explores systemic challenges, bold leadership, and survivor-centered approaches. From addressing harmful workplace norms to fostering meaningful accountability, the panel delves into what it takes to move beyond "business as usual." Whether you're a policymaker, organizational leader, or advocate, this episode offers compelling insights and actionable takeaways to create safer, more equitable workplaces.

Mirko Fernandez is a victim advocate at the Global Fund. In this episode, he talks about the complexities of preventing and responding to sexual misconduct in the aid sector.  Mirko shares how his career was shaped by his parents, who were Chilean exiles, and their activism against human rights violations in their home country. We also hear about his work in forensic anthropology and his advocacy for marginalised communities.  He talks about the importance of allyship, the role of education in promoting rights, and the challenges faced by victims during the investigation process. The conversation also touches on the psychological and emotional demands of victim advocacy work and strategies for self-care and resilience within this field. 

In this episode of the #NoExcuse podcast, host Guni Dias speaks with Harvard sociologist Frank Dobbin about the complexities of sexual harassment in the workplace, especially within international aid organizations. Dobbin examines contributing factors like power differentials and social isolation and critiques conventional harassment training for its sometimes counterproductive effects. Dobbin highlights effective alternatives such as allyship, bystander intervention training, and enhanced grievance mechanisms, including ombuds offices and dispute resolution processes. The discussion underscores the need for cultural change and proactive leadership to foster harassment-free environments. 00:00 Trigger Warning and Introduction 00:30 Interview with Frank Dobbin: Understanding Workplace Harassment 03:06 Power Differentials and Social Isolation in Aid Organizations 06:09 Challenges of Traditional Harassment Training 09:12 Effective Strategies for Allyship and Manager Training 14:23 Reporting and Grievance Mechanisms 19:20 Broader Spectrum of Workplace Misbehaviours 22:16 Creating a Culture Free of Harassment

Professor Zoe Peterson is a researcher at the Kinsey Institute, which has been a global leader in the study of human sexuality for over 75 years. In this episode, she talks about the intricate relationship between human sexuality and sexual misconduct.   Peterson talks about the blurred lines between seduction and coercion and how unwanted sex and non-consensual sex are not the same thing. We hear about the importance of understanding consent and the risk factors associated with perpetration, particularly in the aid sector.    We also hear about the need for protective environments, effective prevention strategies, and further research on perpetrators.

Lusungu Kalanga and Amanda Bangura are the co-leads supporting victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse in Malawi through their partnership with Women's Rights Organizations.    In this podcast, Lusungu and Amanda discuss how important the principles of feminism are to their co-leadership and how it helps them derive joy from the most demanding of roles. We hear about the critical role that women's rights organizations have in providing support for victims including reporting and advocacy where language barriers and prejudice play a role.  

Victoria McDonough has over 30 years of experience in preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse in the aid sector and is currently a senior victim care officer. In this episode, she shares her story and the recurring challenges organisations face in tackling sexual misconduct, including issues of leadership, accountability, and a focus on compliance rather than meaningful change. Throughout the conversation, Victoria discusses the progress made in creating victim-centered practices, but she notes that much remains to be done to tackle under-reporting of sexual misconduct and support those affected, especially in vulnerable communities.

Dr. Marianne Cooper is a sociologist and expert on gender at Stanford University. In this episode she discusses her research on gender dynamics in the workplace and their connection to sexual harassment. Dr Cooper talks about three main cultural and structural factors contributing to sexual misconduct in the workplace and the constant need for men to prove masculinity. She explores the notion of contest culture within workplaces which sees people undermine and compete with each other in the pursuit of power and status.   We also hear about the particular challenges faced by the aid sector, particularly those working out in the field. Plus, Dr Cooper talks about effective strategies for fostering safer and more equitable workplace environments.

Nashater Deu Solheim is a psychologist, author and executive coach who has extensive experience working with psychopaths, military personnel and. In this episode, we explore the similarities of psychopathic behaviour and those of sexual misconduct. Nashater helps us identify the behaviours of perpetrators of sexual misconduct, both those who are opportunistic and those who are premeditated offenders, warning signs of grooming behaviours, their escalation, and identifies the challenges in proving misconduct. Throughout the episode, we hear about how leadership in key to addressing sexual misconduct: setting the organizational tone of what is acceptable and what is not, being role models, and creating safety at work. She underlines the importance of anonymous reporting and the need to monitor environments even when allegations are not substantiated.

The late, Aidan O'Leary, WHO's director for polio eradication, says that polio eradication, like all aid work, needs not only professional excellence, but for all workers to meet the highest standards of personal conduct. Since the late 1980s, the number of cases of polio has reduced from hundreds of thousands down to a handful every year. In this episode he talks about the importance of leadership and upholding professional standards in delivering his mission. We hear how important it is to win the acceptance, confidence and trust of parents and caregivers to allow vaccinators to enter homes and do their work. Working to the highest professional standards, including adhering to the WHO's guidelines on the prevention of sexual abuse and misconduct, is critical. O'Leary also reflects on his time working in some of the world's most protracted and complex emergency environments and talks about the importance of walking the talk - maintaining personal and professional accountability while on duty. Update 07 August 2024 - Aidan O'Leary, WHO's Director for polio eradication, passed away a few weeks after this episode was released. Aidan was a tireless advocate for global health, dedicating his life to eradicating polio and ensuring that aid work was carried out with the highest standards of professional and personal conduct.

Elizabeth Broderick was Australia's longest-serving Sex Discrimination Commissioner, a UN Special Rapporteur on discrimination against women and girls and led major reviews into the treatment of women in the country's military, police, parliament and the private sector.    In this episode, Elizabeth discusses her journey to becoming a prominent advocate for gender equality. She reflects on her personal experiences of sexual misconduct in the workplace, and how she set about working with some of Australia's most powerful business and governmental leaders to improve gender equality through her Champions of Change strategy.    She shares the concept of organizational courage and the role of leadership in fostering a culture of respect and inclusion. Through poignant stories and practical examples, this episode underscores the necessity of listening, self-reflection, and emotional connection in driving cultural transformation

Dr Fiona Braka, WHO's program area manager for emergency response in the African region, talks about the 2021 Independent Commission report on allegations of sexual misconduct during the 10th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo the previous year.    Fiona talks about her shock and horror at learning about the allegations, the sadness she felt for victims and the sense of shame that the allegations were being leveled at the organization by the very communities it was meant to serve.  While there are still challenges around funding and resources, we learn about the steps taken since the report to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse in emergency operations - and the work going into rebuilding trust within communities. 

Dr Jasmine Westendorf, Associate Professor at La Trobe University in Australia, shares some of her findings about sexual exploitation and abuse perpetrated by peacekeepers and aid workers in humanitarian operations.     In this episode, Dr Westendorf discusses the economic interests that lead to exploitation - and how this can have a lasting impact on a community even when the peace operation moves out. We hear about the false premise of consent in transactional sex, and the long-term effects it has on individuals, communities and trust in the very organisations there to support them.    Dr Westendorf talks about the importance of community involvement in responding to exploitation and abuse. She also emphasises the need for further research on prevention and the particular vulnerabilities of different population groups.

Ellie Kemp is the strategic partnership director of the humanitarian linguistic organization, Clear Global. In this episode, Ellie talks about how language is tied up with power dynamics, and how this is amplified within the aid system. In an Anglo-centric sector, professional standards and official documentation are developed in English, reflecting a certain worldview. Ellie says this hinders communication and access to resources for affected communities. Crucially it also affects the reporting and prevention of sexual misconduct, as survivors may not be able to communicate their experiences as effectively and coherently as their abusers.   Ellie talks about successful initiatives used to break down barriers, including listening stations to allow people to provide feedback in their own language, and developing glossaries in multiple languages. She also says AI language technology has the potential for improving communication, providing work is done to assist machine learning of marginalised languages.

Abigail Averbach is the manager of the Coordination Unit of the Protection From Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment at The Global Fund. In this episode, Abigal talks about what needs to happen to achieve zero tolerance for sexual misconduct.  Abigail shares her journey from being a US prosecutor to her current role and highlights the lessons she learned from her career.  She emphasises the importance of creating trusted and safe reporting systems and the need for partnerships among international agencies. Abigail also emphasises how vital victim survivor-centred support and trauma-informed investigations are for addressing the needs of those affected by sexual misconduct. 

NASA engineer Bryan Robles, a male survivor of sexual violence, speaks as our first survivor to feature in the "#NoExcuse Podcast" series. Recounting how he connected with WHO's work on supporting victims and survivors of sexual misconduct, Bryan explains his long journey filled with internal struggle, shame and self-blame. He shares why he chose to speak publicly about his experience. He delivers a powerful message of resilience, self-worth, and the importance of collective action in addressing sexual misconduct and supporting survivors – both female and male. Making links between NASA and WHO, Bryan advocates for not just lip service, but for meaningful survivor-centric culture within all our organizations.  

In this episode, Kelly Clements, Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, speaks about how she led a culture change to address sexual harassment not just in her agency, UNHCR, but across the UN system.  Deputy High Commissioner Clements emphasizes how UNHCR took a survivor-centered approach, and the role of strong and shared leadership to enable organizational change.

In this episode of the #NoExcuse Podcast by the World Health Organization (WHO), Sigrid Kranawetter, Senior Advisor to the WHO Director-General, discusses the fundamental principle of "Do No Harm" and its connection to preventing and addressing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. She emphasizes the responsibility of public health professionals to uphold ethical standards and prevent harm. Sigrid explains the challenges of enforcing accountability within international organizations like WHO, particularly when dealing with sexual misconduct by aid workers. While WHO cannot pursue legal action directly against perpetrators, Sigrid highlights the importance of administrative action and collaboration with national authorities. She also discusses empowering survivors and victims to pursue legal action, providing support, and managing expectations regarding resolution. The episode concludes with insights into WHO's efforts to revise policies, build trust, and incorporate member states and partners into joint accountability for preventing sexual misconduct

In this episode, we discuss with Lisa McClennon, Director of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) at the WHO, the vital role of investigations in fostering accountability and preventing future misconduct. She discusses the challenges, principles, and evolving trends in investigating sexual misconduct, emphasizing a victim and survivor-centered approach while maintaining organizational integrity. Additionally, Lisa reflects on her experiences as a female leader of color in historically male-dominated professions, offering invaluable perspectives on leadership and empathy.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Roopa Dhatt, the Co- Founder and Executive Director of Women in Global Health, addresses the factors perpetuating sexual misconduct in a landscape where women constitute 70% of the health workforce but remain underrepresented in leadership positions. Dr. Dhatt illuminates the collaborative efforts between Women in Global Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) to confront sexual misconduct in the aid sector and advance women's leadership in global health. She underscores the pivotal role of civil society organizations, particularly women's groups, in advocacy, awareness-building, and supporting survivors of sexual misconduct committed by Aid Workers. Drawing on insights from HealthToo Policy report, Dr. Dhatt explores the underlying causes of sexual misconduct, including unequal power dynamics and entrenched patriarchal norms. She advocates for comprehensive data collection, robust legal frameworks, and gender parity in leadership as crucial measures for prevention and response to sexual misconduct . Through personal anecdotes, Dr. Dhatt offers valuable advice for women, especially those of color, navigating leadership roles in healthcare and humanitarian aid, emphasizing the significance of collective action, resilience, and persistence.

"We just need more action." Memory Kachambwa is Executive Director of Femnet, a Civil Society Organization (CSO) that champions the voices of African women.   She highlights the unique position of CSO as first responders in crises.  Memory says CSOs are often relegated to the role of implementing partners with insufficient resources and support. Despite their crucial role in amplifying community voices, CSOs encounter barriers that hinder effective action against sexual misconduct.   With a call for more action and accountability from International agencies, Memory offers insights into how CSOs can better serve survivors and victims, paving the way for a future free from silence and impunity."

UN agencies must provide holistic support to any victim or survivor of sexual misconduct by aid-workers, but this work requires expertise and inputs by a wide range of partners. WHO's partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), for victim and survivor support in the Democratic Republic of Congo provides a promising model for how this essential work can be carried out. In this episode, Dr Eugene Kongnyuy, the UNFPA's Deputy Director for Humanitarian Response Missions describes the UNFPA's work and expertise in supporting victims and survivors, stressing the need for tailored support packages.   Dr Kongnyuy's inspiring words highlight the pivotal role male aid workers can play in advocating for change and standing up against sexual misconduct. Join us on this journey of learning and adaptation.

Erin MacDonald is WHO's Prevention and Response to Sexual Misconduct Technical Officer in Syria. In this latest episode, she sheds light on the pervasive issue of sexual misconduct within the aid sector. Drawing on her experience in emergency settings in places like Ukraine, Ethiopia and South Sudan, she emphasizes the heightened risks in such environments and the urgent need for prevention measures. Erin also shares her observations on the loopholes in addressing sexual misconduct, citing instances where alleged perpetrators continue to find employment despite exposure. The conversation explores challenges in reporting allegations, the significance of cultural change, and the necessity of holding known perpetrators to account. Erin reflects on triumphs like the #MeToo movement, which increased attention to the issue of sexual misconduct. Although she sees a long road ahead to create effective systems for prevention and response, Erin expresses her belief in gradual progress toward justice for victims and survivors.  

In this eye-opening episode, Ibrahim Abu Khalil, WHO's full-time Prevention and Response to Sexual Misconduct Technical Officer, shares his experiences working in high-risk countries like Libya, Liberia, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and now Yemen, shedding light on the intricacies of navigating cultural taboos. Discover how Ibrahim removes taboos to establish trust within communities. Despite being a man in a predominantly female-dominated field, Ibrahim discusses the challenges and advantages he encounters in addressing sexual misconduct.   Join us for a profound exploration of breaking down cultural barriers, the power of awareness, and the collective responsibility needed to create a culture of inclusivity. Ibrahim's firsthand accounts provide valuable insights into the complexities of addressing sexual misconduct in conservative settings and offer hope for positive change.

In this transformative episode, United Nations Victims' Rights Advocate, Assistant Secretary General Jane Connors brings her extensive experience in sexual and gender-based violence to raise awareness for the rights and voices of victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse. Jane reflects on her past, examines the remaining challenges to this issue, and also the drivers that contribute to her unstoppable mission: seeking dignity and respect for survivors. Jane's compelling stories shed light on the vulnerabilities faced by victims and survivors of sexual misconduct, and the urgent need for change. The discussion explores issues like malicious reporting and mandatory reporting, and the delicate balance between victim safety and organizational reputation. She also reveals how relaying victim and survivor experiences through creative avenues can foster empathy and understanding, and the critical engagement of men in preventing and responding to sexual misconduct in the future.

While we are focusing on sexual misconduct by development and humanitarian work, in this episode we look at the importance of the broader context of Gender Based Violence in society. We interview Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at the World Health Organization, overseeing the United Nations' Co-sponsored Special Program in Human Reproduction. Dr Allotey emphasises that sexual misconduct is a direct violation of human rights. She highlights how power dynamics play a central role in cases of sexual violence, with those in positions of power exploiting those with less power. She also brings focus to WHO's programmatic role in Gender Based Violence and outlines initiatives for training healthcare providers, enhancing screening, and expanding services. Dr Allotey makes this episode a compelling and insightful contribution to the ongoing dialogue on creating a safer and empowered world. Disclaimer: This podcast contains discussions on sexual misconduct. Topics such as sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment may be discussed. Listener discretion is advised, and we encourage self-care and seeking professional support as needed.

In this episode, Dr. Gaya Gamhewage, Director of Prevention of and Response to Sexual Misconduct at the World Health Organization, delves into the challenging topic of sexual misconduct within the humanitarian and development sectors. She discusses her evolving emotions when first confronted with allegations of sexual exploitation.   Dr. Gamhewage emphasizes the need for a cultural shift within the organization, where ethical behavior is as vital as excellence in public health. She encourages everyone to acknowledge their roles in shaping the organization's culture, understanding their accountabilities, and fostering emotional intelligence.   The podcast format, she explains, offers a unique platform for candid conversations, story sharing, and learning. It provides a space for diverse perspectives and honest discussions, which is crucial for addressing a deeply ingrained issue like sexual misconduct.   The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to subscribe, actively engage, and contribute to cultural change, echoing the podcast's powerful message: "No Excuse" for not taking responsibility in preventing and responding to sexual misconduct.

The #NoExcuse podcast is produced by the World Health Organization's Department for the Prevention of and Response to Sexual Misconduct. There is no excuse for sexual misconduct in the humanitarian or development sectors. Many people don't want to think about the often-ignored topic of sexual misconduct by our personnel. Shining a light on this dark and painful topic is an important step to addressing it.  Poet, novelist, and survivor Dr. Maya Angelou wrote, "What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it." As she suggests, changing how we view the issue is half the battle. It is within this need to change our views in a space of learning that the #NoExcuse podcast was born. Join us as we delve deep into the topic, share stories of work in the field, surface issues to prevention, and explore making zero tolerance for sexual misconduct a part of workplace culture - WHO's new normal. This podcast will examine different challenges and solutions through the perspectives of people who are already doing the work to create the change we need and want.