Purple Dew considers all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse incompatible with universally recognised international norms, the principles of humanitarian action, our core values and our fundamental belief in the human dignity of all people.
1.Our values, principles and beliefs
Purple Dew is committed to non-discrimination, impartiality, solidarity, transparency, sensitivity to local cultures, promoting human dignity, participation and dialogue. Our commitment to Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) is guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and CEDAW.
Our work in Lagos suburbs and informal settings often puts Purple Dew personnel in positions of power or influence in relation to the communities we work with. As a humanitarian organisation, Purple Dew has a duty of care towards the most vulnerable populations and must not abuse the power and influence it might have over the lives and well-being of the beneficiaries of its programs.
2.Key definitions
Sexual exploitation: any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power or trust, for sexual purposes, including profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another
Sexual abuse: the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions
3.Our behaviour protocols
These standards apply to all Purple Dew personnel, including staff, volunteers, community committee members, interns and consultants, both within and outside standard working hours:
No requesting services or sexual favours from beneficiaries or community members in return for protection or assistance
No exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, regardless of local law
No sexual activity with beneficiaries; any such conduct must be disclosed to a supervisor
No sexual activity with any person under the age of 18, regardless of the local age of consent; mistaken belief of age is not a defence
No support for or participation in any sexually exploitative or abusive activity, including pornography or trafficking
Timely reporting of any concern or suspicion of PSEA violations via established procedures, shared only with the PSEA Focal Point
Create and maintain living and working environments that prevent sexual exploitation and abuse
Challenge poor practices and report potential risks
4.Accountability
Any violation of these standards constitutes serious misconduct. Failure to comply, or failure to report sexual exploitation or abuse, is grounds for disciplinary action, up to termination of contract or summary dismissal, and cases may be forwarded to local authorities for criminal prosecution. Acceptance of these standards is a condition of every cooperative arrangement Purple Dew enters into.
5.Safe communication
Beneficiaries have the right to be accurately represented, with their identity and dignity preserved. The Do No Harm principle guides the collection and use of images and information. All personnel must:
Make respectful images: people adequately clothed, no sexually suggestive poses
Choose images based on respect and equality, representing a broad range of people and never presenting them as victims
Truthfully represent each situation in its immediate and wider context, avoiding stereotypes and sensationalism
Give people the opportunity to communicate their stories themselves
Take and use images and stories only with informed, documented consent (parent or guardian where applicable)
Change beneficiaries' names to protect identity unless they explicitly prefer otherwise and security allows
Never disclose personal information, such as location, that could put beneficiaries at risk
Report concerns about inappropriate or intrusive images through the same procedures as SEA concerns