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Remember the Mob
Non-governmental organizations,Partners in Health (PIH),Reaffirming commitment tosSexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH).
organizeyesthereforeTake strict measures to prevent and address such incidents and ensure that patients, families and community members who benefit from its services are treated with dignity and respect.
PIH’s Guarantee/SEAH Manager Toka Senkoto,Talking aboutThe organization’s active stance in combating SEAHThis week. He said PIH is committed not only to preventing these violations but also to taking decisive action against anyone who fails to report abuse or retaliates against individuals who report or participate in an investigation.
“PIH is committed to protecting everyone who interacts with our services, including vulnerable groups such as children and at-risk adults. Our goal is to protect them from any form of sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment,” Mr Senkoto said.
Mr Senkoto explained that within the PIH framework, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18, regardless of the local definition of an adult. He also clarified that adults in vulnerable situations include those over the age of 18 whoyesBeing unable to protect themselves due to factors such as gender, mental or physical health, disability, ethnicity or social status.
“Our Policy on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment clearly articulates our commitment to protecting beneficiaries and employees from these violations. We set high standards of conduct for all who represent PIH and we strictly enforce those standards.”
Mr. Senkoto said sexual harassment included any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other sexual conduct that could cause offence or create a hostile working environment. He noted that while such conduct often follows a pattern, it could also be a single incident.
“Sexual abuse includes any physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or coercion, while sexual exploitation is the abuse of a position of vulnerability or trust for sexual purposes. These terms cover a wide range of behaviour beyond sexual intercourse, including unwelcome sexual comments or advances.”
Mr. SenkotoexplainThe root causes of sexual exploitation and harassment are linked to power dynamics and existing vulnerabilities. He said PIH’s policy combines the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse with a broader commitment to address sexual and gender-based violence.
He also said PIH Lesotho has set up a convenient reporting platform to encourage people to report incidents of SEAH. Mr Senkoto urged anyone with relevant information or suggestions for additional reporting channels to come forward. The organization’s investigation team consists of trained experts who are able to collect evidence without intimidating survivors.
“Our approach is survivor-led, putting survivors’ rights and interests first. Reporting information rather than withholding it is vital, as conducting a personal investigation could cause further harm,” Mr Senkoto said.
All PIH staff are required to immediately report any suspected, alleged or known incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment. He said staff have no responsibility to determine if an incident has occurred, but any concerns should be reported immediately.
To report SEAH issues, PIH provides several contact options: Toll-free number: 80012399, SMS, WhatsApp and phone: 62065422 / 57832223, and email;PseahLesotho@pih.orgortalkup@pih.org.
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