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Sextortion in access to WASH services in selected regions of Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Merkle, Ortrun

    (RS: GSBE MGSoG, Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, RS: GSBE MORSE)

  • Allakulov, Umrbek
  • Gonzalez Tejero, Debora

Abstract

This paper investigates the incidence and risk factors associated with sextortion in accessing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services by women in selected regions of Bangladesh. Sextortion is defined as "the abuse of power to obtain a sexual favor" (IAWJ, 2012, p.9) and takes place at the intersection of corruption and sexual violence. The paper analyses original data from a standardized survey, alongside key informant interviews and focus group discussions collected in 2021 in four areas of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is an interesting case study as the WASH sector is still dominated by men and gender based violence is wide spread (World Bank, 2019). The data shows that 15% of women had experienced sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) when accessing water, toilets or bathing facilities. About one third (29.4%) of these cases were a form of sextortion. Sextortion incidents most commonly occurred in the WASH facilities themselves. The data also highlights several risk factors of experiencing sextortion such as poverty, relying on unprotected water sources and lack of literacy. The research clearly highlights the need for further study of compounding risk factors and the importance of including sextortion considerations into WASH programmes. The paper also provides insights into perceptions about sextortion and reasons why those affected may opt not to report incidents.

Suggested Citation

  • Merkle, Ortrun & Allakulov, Umrbek & Gonzalez Tejero, Debora, 2022. "Sextortion in access to WASH services in selected regions of Bangladesh," MERIT Working Papers 2022-022, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:unumer:2022022
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    File URL: https://cris.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ws/files/106569624/wp2022_022.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Echazu Luciana, 2010. "Corruption and the Balance of Gender Power," Review of Law & Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 6(1), pages 59-74, April.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • N55 - Economic History - - Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment and Extractive Industries - - - Asia including Middle East
    • Q25 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Water
    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • H40 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - General
    • K39 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Other
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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