In this episode of the #NoExcuse podcast, host Guni Dias speaks with Harvard sociologist Frank Dobbin about the complexities of sexual harassment in the workplace, especially within international aid organizations. Dobbin examines contributing factors like power differentials and social isolation and critiques conventional harassment training for its sometimes counterproductive effects. Dobbin highlights effective alternatives such as allyship, bystander intervention training, and enhanced grievance mechanisms, including ombuds offices and dispute resolution processes. The discussion underscores the need for cultural change and proactive leadership to foster harassment-free environments.

00:00 Trigger Warning and Introduction
00:30 Interview with Frank Dobbin: Understanding Workplace Harassment
03:06 Power Differentials and Social Isolation in Aid Organizations
06:09 Challenges of Traditional Harassment Training
09:12 Effective Strategies for Allyship and Manager Training
14:23 Reporting and Grievance Mechanisms
19:20 Broader Spectrum of Workplace Misbehaviours
22:16 Creating a Culture Free of Harassment

Victoria McDonough has over 30 years of experience in preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse in the aid sector and is currently a senior victim care officer. In this episode, she shares her story and the recurring challenges organisations face in tackling sexual misconduct, including issues of leadership, accountability, and a focus on compliance rather than meaningful change. Throughout the conversation, Victoria discusses the progress made in creating victim-centered practices, but she notes that much remains to be done to tackle under-reporting of sexual misconduct and support those affected, especially in vulnerable communities.

Dr. Marianne Cooper is a sociologist and expert on gender at Stanford University. In this episode she discusses her research on gender dynamics in the workplace and their connection to sexual harassment.

Dr Cooper talks about three main cultural and structural factors contributing to sexual misconduct in the workplace and the constant need for men to prove masculinity. She explores the notion of contest culture within workplaces which sees people undermine and compete with each other in the pursuit of power and status.

We also hear about the particular challenges faced by the aid sector, particularly those working out in the field. Plus, Dr Cooper talks about effective strategies for fostering safer and more equitable workplace environments.

Nashater Deu Solheim is a psychologist, author and executive coach who has extensive experience working with psychopaths, military personnel and. In this episode, we explore the similarities of psychopathic behaviour and those of sexual misconduct. Nashater helps us identify the behaviours of perpetrators of sexual misconduct, both those who are opportunistic and those who are premeditated offenders, warning signs of grooming behaviours, their escalation, and identifies the challenges in proving misconduct. Throughout the episode, we hear about how leadership in key to addressing sexual misconduct: setting the organizational tone of what is acceptable and what is not, being role models, and creating safety at work. She underlines the importance of anonymous reporting and the need to monitor environments even when allegations are not substantiated.

The late, Aidan O'Leary, WHO’s director for polio eradication, says that polio eradication, like all aid work, needs not only professional excellence, but for all workers to meet the highest standards of personal conduct. Since the late 1980s, the number of cases of polio has reduced from hundreds of thousands down to a handful every year. In this episode he talks about the importance of leadership and upholding professional standards in delivering his mission. We hear how important it is to win the acceptance, confidence and trust of parents and caregivers to allow vaccinators to enter homes and do their work. Working to the highest professional standards, including adhering to the WHO’s guidelines on the prevention of sexual abuse and misconduct, is critical. O’Leary also reflects on his time working in some of the world’s most protracted and complex emergency environments and talks about the importance of walking the talk - maintaining personal and professional accountability while on duty.

Update 07 August 2024 - Aidan O'Leary, WHO’s Director for polio eradication, passed away a few weeks after this episode was released. Aidan was a tireless advocate for global health, dedicating his life to eradicating polio and ensuring that aid work was carried out with the highest standards of professional and personal conduct.