Recent findings indicate a significant increase in sexual corruption within Rwanda’s hospitality and private service sectors, leaving vulnerable employees feeling powerless and exploited.
A detailed survey published by Transparency International Rwanda reveals that 75% of women in the private sector have encountered requests for sexual favors while seeking employment, a statistic that is only surpassed by a 57% rate reported in higher education and is considerably higher than the 37% noted in local government workplaces.
An anonymous participant, referred to as “Prisca,” recounted several occasions where job offers were contingent upon sexual compliance. “I was solicited for sexual favors in nearly every job I applied for; eventually, I concluded that this was the only way I could secure employment, so I acquiesced and obtained the job,” she disclosed.
The report indicates that gender-based corruption is not merely theoretical: almost 80% of respondents reported having heard of such practices in the past year. Nevertheless, due to fears of retaliation, feelings of shame, or lack of evidence, 39% opted to remain silent, while only 9.4% reported incidents to anti-corruption organizations.
Although Rwanda ratified the ILO violence-and-harassment Convention No. 190 in November 2023, demonstrating a commitment to workplace safety, experts emphasize that enforcement must align with policy. “There is an urgent need for all stakeholders to work together to combat gender-based corruption,” remarked Marie Ingabire, chairperson of Transparency International.
Gender desks have been established within the police and the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), and the 2008 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Law criminalizes workplace harassment, imposing penalties that range from two months to two years of imprisonment or significant fines.
However, numerous cases continue to remain unreported, as a recent analysis pointed out that “victims must be believed and speaking up must be safe, yet most victims do not come forward to report such crimes, despite assurances of protection.”
The government’s response includes the establishment of an anonymous reporting channel by RIB and labor inspectors, while civil society organizations are encouraged to continue training on transparent recruitment processes and the enforcement of existing laws.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is under pressure to address this issue, as the country’s reputation is at risk with the ongoing growth of the hospitality industry and various private sector companies.
As tourism in Rwanda continues to grow, advocates caution that unregulated sexual corruption not only devastates individual lives but also threatens the integrity and attractiveness of the nation’s labor sector.
