The Silent Suffering: Stories of Somali Sexual Exploitation Survivors

Stories

*Farxiya, a resilient 24-year-old, faced a daunting conundrum as she embarked on her quest for employment. Determined and full of aspirations, she ventured forth, hoping to kickstart her career. However, what she encountered wasn't the encouraging welcome to the professional world she had anticipated. Instead, she was met with an unnerving reality: pervasive pressure from potential employers seeking to exploit her dignity in exchange for a job.

"After completing my bachelor's degree in accounting, In my pursuit of a job, I felt like I was constantly pushed against a wall, forced to compromise my self-respect just to secure a position. It was demoralizing," Farxiya shared.

Her dreams were shackled by the systemic issue plaguing many female job seekers—an insidious underbelly of sexual assault and harassment. Sadly, Farxiya's story was not a solitary narrative; countless women faced similar ordeals when seeking employment.

"I felt trapped. I couldn't secure a job without having to navigate through these creepy advances. It felt like an impossible situation," she confessed.

Farxiya's predicament was further exacerbated by the financial burdens imposed by her family's circumstances. The dire need to support her loved ones weighed heavily on her shoulders. The looming responsibilities added layers of complexity to her already distressing dilemma. Despite the abhorrent working conditions and exploitative offers, she found herself reluctantly considering these options, driven by a deep sense of familial obligation.

"My family relies on me. Their needs are a constant burden, making it agonizingly difficult to turn down opportunities, no matter how exploitative they may be," she revealed.

The idea of reporting these harrowing instances crossed her mind, but where could she turn? There seemed to be no safe haven to report these egregious acts, no system in place to hold the perpetrators accountable. Moreover, the fear of societal backlash, of being blamed and shamed, stifled any inclination to seek justice.

"There's no one to turn to. No one to listen, no one to hold accountable. If I speak up, the community will turn against me, questioning why I even went for these opportunities in the first place," Farxiya lamented, the weight of societal expectations evident in her voice.

Farxiya's story is not hers alone; it echoes the harsh realities faced by countless females in Somalia. The stark truth remains that many women endure exploitative conditions, compelled to endure these challenges to provide for their families or suffer silently within the confines of their homes, overwhelmed by stress and despair.

"In Somalia, this is the unfortunate reality for many women. We're forced into these exploitative situations to support our families or endure the stressful confines of home," she concluded,

Farxiya's story sheds light on the plight of countless women facing similar struggles, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change and support mechanisms to ensure a safer, more equitable work environment for all.

The story of *Nimco, a young midwife in Hargeisa, Somaliland, is another harrowing one. She spent almost two years looking for work and working unpaid in several hospitals where she was subjected to constant sexual harassment and exploitation. Some of her coworkers even touched her privates, demanded that she make tea for them, made snacks for them, and even asked to be their second wife. "If it weren't for the need to provide for my elderly parents and siblings, I wouldn't have continued working here," she said.

In the bustling city of Hargeisa, Somaliland, Nimco navigated her days with a purpose that eclipsed the challenges she faced. As a young midwife, her journey was not just a profession but a relentless pursuit of providing for her family. Having searched for stable employment for two long years, Nimco found herself in the heart of hospitals, offering her services voluntarily. Her days were a whirlwind of tending to the needs of expectant mothers and newborns, but amidst her noble work lay a shadow—sexual harassment and exploitation.

Her face contorted with the memories of fellow workers' invasive actions—the unwelcome touches, demeaning requests for tea, and the audacity of some to demand snacks as if it were her duty. The audacity didn’t end there; some even had the gall to ask her to be a second wife, a proposition that both infuriated and belittled her.

The weight of these indignities pressed heavily upon her, but her resolve remained unyielding. For Nimco, it was never just about enduring the harassment; it was about providing for her siblings and aging parents. They relied on her, and her determination to shield them from adversity propelled her forward.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, yet the situation remained unchanged. Farxiya and Nimco grappled with an internal conflict—the desire to stand up against the injustices they faced versus the responsibility they bore for their family's welfare.

These stories of Farxiya and Nimco illustrate the multifaceted challenges faced by survivors of sexual exploitation. They underscore the urgent need for robust support structures, effective reporting mechanisms, and a societal shift to combat victim-blaming attitudes and hold perpetrators accountable. 

Analysis

In a world brimming with aspirations and opportunities, the harsh reality of sexual exploitation casts an insidious shadow on the lives of many, leaving indelible scars that often go unheard and unacknowledged. Farxiya, the 24-year-old job seeker, embodies the tumultuous journey of countless individuals battling against the intimidating barriers of economic struggle and systemic oppression, only to be met with the appalling proposition of trading dignity for employment.

Farxiya and Nimco’s narrative is a distressing echo of a pervasive issue that plagues societies nationwide. Upon completing her bachelor's degree, her economic circumstances compelled her to seek employment, setting her on a disheartening path where every office she visited and every employer she encountered presented her with an unthinkable ultimatum: her body in exchange for a job. The very corridors that should have led her to a promising future were marred by exploitation, harassment, and coercion.

Their anguish reflects a systemic failure, where the vulnerable are left defenseless in the face of predators masked as potential employers. In a landscape bereft of safeguards and avenues for recourse, Farxiya’s voice, along with countless others in similar predicaments, is silenced by the fear of repercussion and the social stigma that unjustly burdens the survivor.

One of the most distressing aspects of Farxiya’s ordeal is the absence of a safe haven for her to report these violations. The haunting truth is that for many individuals like her, there exists no refuge, no supportive infrastructure to lend credence to their plight. Reporting harassment or exploitation becomes a perilous endeavor fraught with the haunting prospect of being disbelieved, blamed, or worse—facing retaliation for speaking out.

Their sorrow is exacerbated by Somali society's tendency to blame female survivors, she is afraid of being judged or ostracized if she speaks up. Her quiet is maintained by the widespread victim-blaming culture, which discourages her from pursuing justice.

The pervasive culture of victim-blaming and disbelief serves as an additional barrier for survivors of sexual exploitation. The burden of proof often falls upon the victim rather than the perpetrator, amplifying the survivor’s trauma and exacerbating their sense of isolation and helplessness.

What Farxiya and Nimco’s stories underscore is the urgent need for a comprehensive framework that not only denounces but actively combats sexual exploitation in all its forms. Legislation and policies must be reinforced and implemented to protect the vulnerable from such egregious violations. Equally crucial is the establishment of safe reporting mechanisms that ensure confidentiality and guarantee the survivor’s safety from potential backlash.

Moreover, fostering a societal environment that prioritizes empathy, support, and belief in the survivor’s narrative is important. Education and awareness campaigns must dismantle the pervasive myths and stereotypes that perpetuate victim-blaming, fostering a culture of accountability and empathy instead.

Their stories are a stark reminder of the unspoken struggles faced by sexual exploitation survivors. Their voices must be amplified, their stories heard, and their dignity restored. Until concrete measures are taken to eradicate this rampant exploitation and offer genuine avenues of support and justice, the cycle of suffering will persist, ensnaring countless others in its unforgiving grip.

 Urgency to Domesticating ILO Convention C190

Somalia has ratified the Violence and Harassment Convention (C190) in 2021. The convention is the first international standard that provides a common framework to prevent, remedy, and eliminate violence and harassment in the workplace, including that which is gender-based. 

In Somalia, the prevalence of sexual exploitation and harassment against female employees and job seekers is a concerning and pervasive issue that demands immediate attention and action. The socio-cultural landscape, compounded by weak legal frameworks and systemic inequalities, creates an environment where women face significant challenges in the workplace, particularly concerning their safety and dignity.

Instances of sexual exploitation and harassment against women in the workplace often go unreported or are inadequately addressed due to various factors, including fear of retaliation, societal stigma, and a lack of trust in the existing systems to deliver justice. This situation not only perpetuates gender-based discrimination but also hampers the socio-economic progress of the nation by limiting women's full and active participation in the workforce.

The International Labor Organization's (ILO) Convention C190, also known as the Convention on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, provides a comprehensive framework aimed at preventing and addressing all forms of violence and harassment in the workplace, including sexual exploitation. Somalia's adoption and domestication of this convention would signify a critical step towards safeguarding the rights and dignity of female employees and job seekers.

Domesticating ILO Convention C190 in Somalia would entail incorporating its principles and provisions into national laws and policies. This would establish clear definitions of harassment and exploitation, outline mechanisms for reporting incidents, and set forth robust measures for investigation and redressal. Additionally, it would mandate the implementation of preventative measures and educational programs to foster a culture of respect and gender equality in the workplace. 

The implementation of such a convention would not only protect women but also contribute significantly to Somalia’s development goals. By ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment, it would empower women to actively participate in the labor force, thus boosting productivity and fostering economic growth.

However, the successful domestication of ILO Convention C190 in Somalia requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders. This includes the government, employers, trade unions, civil society organizations, and international partners collaborating to create awareness, enforce legal frameworks, and provide necessary resources to support its implementation.

Moreover, cultural norms and attitudes that perpetuate gender-based violence and discrimination must be addressed through targeted educational campaigns and community engagement programs. Creating awareness about women's rights and advocating for gender equality at all levels of society is pivotal in effecting long-term societal change.

Sexual Offences Bill in Somalia in Addressing Sexual Harassment at the Workplace.

The recent push for the passage of the Sexual Offences Bill in Somalia marks a pivotal step toward safeguarding the rights and dignity of women in Somalia. Beyond its immediate implications for legal frameworks, the bill holds the promise of mitigating sexual violence, including the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in the workplace that disproportionately affects female employees and job seekers.

Sexual violence remains a distressing reality for many women across Somalia, often perpetuated by societal norms, insufficient legal protections, and, notably, within workplace environments. Women encounter formidable barriers when seeking employment or advancing their careers, facing not only biases but also the looming threat of harassment and exploitation in workplaces governed by men with a radical view.

The passage of the Sexual Offences Bill stands as a beacon of hope in addressing these systemic challenges. It signifies a concerted effort by the governments of Somalia to instate comprehensive legislation that explicitly condemns and penalizes sexual offenses. Moreover, its implementation can foster a culture of accountability and deterrence against perpetrators, thereby creating safer spaces for women to work and thrive.

Central to this bill's impact is its potential to directly tackle sexual harassment in the workplace. Female employees and job seekers often navigate hostile environments where power imbalances, coupled with the absence of robust legal safeguards, leave them vulnerable to exploitation. The bill, once enacted, can provide a legal framework that empowers victims to report incidents of harassment without fear of retaliation, ensuring fair investigations and appropriate consequences for offenders.

However, while the bill signifies a critical milestone, its efficacy hinges on proactive measures beyond legislative frameworks. Private companies, as major job providers, wield significant influence over employment practices. Unfortunately, some are governed by religious fundamentalists whose regressive views on women hinder female employment opportunities and perpetuate exploitation for those already within their ranks holding inferior positions.

The governments of Somalia and its federal member states must play a vigilant role in overseeing the practices of these influential private entities. Monitoring and ensuring compliance with the tenets of the Sexual Offences Bill within these companies is paramount. It necessitates proactive engagement, advocacy, and possibly incentives to encourage these companies to adopt fair and equitable employment practices, irrespective of gender.

Moreover, investing in education and awareness campaigns to challenge deeply ingrained societal norms that perpetuate gender-based discrimination is indispensable. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and gender equality, these campaigns can complement the legal framework of the bill, catalyzing a broader societal shift towards a more equitable and safer environment for women in the workplace.

The passage of the Sexual Offences Bill in Somalia and Somaliland stands as a significant milestone in the fight against sexual violence, particularly within workplace settings. Its successful implementation, coupled with proactive measures to monitor private companies, challenge societal norms and promote gender equality, will be pivotal in fostering safer, more inclusive work environments where women can contribute without fear of harassment or exploitation.

By implementing robust legal frameworks and fostering a culture of respect and equality, Somalia can pave the way for a safer and more inclusive work environment, empowering women to contribute meaningfully to the nation's progress and development.

*Farxiya and Nimco are not their real names.