Skip to main content

PLP-ESS Module 16: Preventing gender based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment in a project environment (Tessa Walsh)


Gender-based violence (GBV) is an umbrella term for any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person’s will and that is based on socially ascribed (i.e gender) differences between males and females. This includes acts that inflict physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering, threats of acts, coercion, and other deprivations of liberty. These acts can occur in public or private and can potentially take place through project activities if left unscreened. The World Bank exercises zero tolerance towards GBV, sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), and sexual harassment (SH) in the context of its development work. The Bank has strengthened its approach to management and prevention of SEA-SH risks. The strengthened requirements in works procurement are guiding borrowers in the assessment of bidders’ responsiveness and competence to comply with specific SEA-SH-related obligations during the bid evaluation process. They also set clear expectations in contract conditions by stipulating obligations to manage GBV/SEA-SH risks that are within the contractors’ control. Enhanced procurement documents provide clear, strong basis for borrowers to prevent, mitigate and manage SEA-SH risks and exercise appropriate remedies. This module aims to:

i. Introduce participants on the World Bank’s approach to preventing, mitigating and responding to GBV/SEA-SH risks in the private sectors, health and education.

ii. Discuss roles and responsibilities between the World Bank and Pacific Island Countries (vis-à-vis contractors) for managing GBV/SEA-SH risks in the works procurement cycle

Attached are two files

  1. The Module presentation slide.
  2. The World Bank code of conduct for sexual abuse, exploitation and harrasment.