Projects with major civil works, especially those drawing in many workers from elsewhere, can raise the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse of local people and of sexual harassment in the workplace. In February 2020, the World Bank issued the second edition of its Good Practice Note on addressing SEA/SH in Investment Project Financing involving major civil works; the first edition (2018) was framed around gender-based violence. ADB has a similar note for ADB-financed projects.
SEA and SH
- Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) affects community members or beneficiaries, when project personnel abuse their position, power or control over project goods and services.
- Sexual harassment (SH) occurs among project personnel, such as employees of the same contractor or subcontractor.
Risk assessment
The World Bank uses an SEA/SH risk assessment tool with four ratings: low, moderate, substantial and high. The rating is set at concept stage and updated before appraisal, and may be raised where local conditions warrant. The Borrower adds its own assessment through community consultation and the environmental and social assessment; labor influx is a key factor. The note advises against prevalence surveys for project risk assessment and against asking individuals about their own experiences during consultations.
Main measures
- Codes of conduct signed by everyone with a physical presence on site, with training and dissemination to workers and communities.
- An accountability and response framework covering how allegations are handled, disciplinary action consistent with labor law, referral and confidentiality.
- An SEA/SH prevention and response action plan for projects rated moderate or above.
- A grievance mechanism with multiple entry points and specific SEA/SH procedures, following a survivor-centered approach that protects confidentiality and the survivor's choices.
- Mapping of service providers (health, psychosocial, legal) and referral pathways.
- Bidding documents and contracts setting out SEA/SH requirements and codes of conduct, with dedicated budget; contractors submit a Contractor's ESMP (C-ESMP).
- Supervision by an engineer's team that includes a social specialist with gender skills; substantial and high risk projects should use independent third-party monitoring.
- On site: separate, lockable and well-lit facilities for women and men, and signage prohibiting SEA/SH.
Link with Vietnamese law
Labour Code No. 45/2019/QH14 prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace and requires internal labour rules to address its prevention. Financiers' requirements add contractor obligations and response arrangements within the project.