44% of Ethiopian Aid Workers Fear Retaliation for Reporting Sexual Misconduct

A study conducted by the University of Melbourne in partnership with the Ethiopia PSEA Network reveals that fear of retaliation is significantly deterring aid workers in Ethiopia from reporting sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. According to the findings, 44 percent of surveyed workers identified the fear of negative consequences as a primary barrier to reporting such incidents.

The report, titled 'The Reporting Gap: Identity, Culture and SEAH Accountability in Ethiopia’s Aid Sector,' examines the systemic challenges within the humanitarian sector regarding accountability for misconduct. It highlights that institutional culture and the protection of survivors remain critical areas that need improvement to ensure aid workers feel safe in reporting abuse.