#NoExcuse

Sustaining Zero Tolerance in Times of Change May 19, 2026 37:06 2021 marked one of the most challenging chapters in WHO's history—one that struck at the heart of its values and its obligation to do no harm. The response demanded more than correction; it required transformation. What followed was a sustained and intentional effort to fundamentally change how the Organization understands, prevents and responds to sexual misconduct. With the conclusion of the thr

Academia vs Practice: A Decolonial Approach to Sexual Misconduct in Aid Dec 2, 2025 33:49 In this episode, sociologists and practitioners Dr. Nof Nasser-Eddin and Dr. Nour Abu Assab unpack what it really means to take a decolonial approach in the aid sector and why this shift is essential for meaningful prevention of sexual misconduct. They challenge one of the sector's most entrenched assumptions: the belief that complete prevention is possible, calling it "the myth of prevention". In

Women Led Organizations in the Frontline: Voices from Palestine and the DRC Nov 7, 2025 40:15 In this episode, a powerful conversation with two women in parts of the world vulnerable to a heightened risk of sexual misconduct within the aid system Sandrine Lusamba is Executive Co-Ordinator from SOFEPADI - an organisation supporting the survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Khawla Al-Azraq is the Director of the Psychosocial Counseling Center for Women in P

Harassment vs. Sexual Harassment: Does the difference matter? Oct 7, 2025 27:17 Emily May is a founder, activist, and author dedicated to ending all forms of harassment. In this episode, she discusses the impacts of harassment on an individual. Emily talks about the significance of bystander intervention in creating safer environments, particularly in the workplace. She also emphasises the necessity of laws to enforce humane treatment, but also the importance of culture in

From Anger to Love: Speaking Up Through Storytelling Aug 29, 2025 32:57 Adelle Onyango is a renowned media personality and campaigner against sexual violence in Kenya. Adelle says that when she originally started campaigning, it was fueled by anger shaped by her own experience. Now, she says her work is fueled by love for the women she supports. The conversation covers Adelle's early campaigns and her work in providing psychosocial support for survivors. She talks

INTERPOL: Tracking Sexual Offenders in the Aid Sector Jul 21, 2025 24:15 In this episode of the #NoExcuse podcast, Guni Dias speaks with Elizabeth Wright from Interpol about her work within Project Soteria. The discussion explores the lack of empathy among offenders, the patterns and methods of sexual exploitation, and the challenges faced by investigators. Wright elaborates on Project Soteria, aimed at preventing sexual misconduct in the aid sector through innovative

Why Men Abuse: Sex, Power, and Masculine Norms Jun 3, 2025 25:34 Professor Michael Flood is a renowned researcher, author, and advocate focusing on masculinity, violence prevention, and gender equality. In this episode, he talks about how the norms of masculinity and male entitlement are interlinked with sexual misconduct towards women. He talks about how sexual misconduct is mainly an issue for men, how the behaviour of some men make all men seem like a threat

Dark and Dangerous: Sexual harassment in digital spaces May 7, 2025 30:26 Seyi Akiwowo, author and leading voice on digital safety, talks about the growth of online sexual harassment in the workplace. Akiwowo, who is also a founder of a non-profit committed to ending online abuse, explains how the shift to remote and hybrid working has exacerbated the risks. She also describes how online abuse is significantly harder to detect, confront, and report compared to tradit

Exploiting Trust: Child Sexual Abuse in the Aid Sector Apr 3, 2025 26:24 Professor Michael Salter is a leading researcher on child sexual abuse and the director of ChildLight East Asia and Pacific Hub at the University of New South Wales. In this episode, he talks about the prevalence of child sexual abuse and the particular vulnerabilities within the aid sector due to power imbalances and lack of accountability. Professor Salter explains how men who abuse children ar

The power of theatre in addressing sexual misconduct Mar 4, 2025 26:43 In this episode of the WHO #NoExcuse Podcast, host Guni Dias speaks with Suzie Miller, an award-winning Australian playwright and former criminal defense lawyer specializing in human rights. They discuss the complexities of preventing and responding to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, especially in the aid sector. Miller shares insights from her career transition, the gendered nuances

#MeToo: Movement, Momentum, and Mission Jan 29, 2025 29:37 In this compelling episode of the WHO #NoExcuse Podcast, we sit down with Tarana Burke, the visionary founder of the #MeToo movement, whose work has ignited a global reckoning around sexual violence and misconduct. Tarana takes us back to the origins of the movement, sharing the powerful vision and the challenges she faced in bringing it to life. She reflects on the movement's impact and explores

2024 WHO PRS Stakeholders Review Conference: Rethinking Prevention of Sexual Misconduct Dec 11, 2024 44:41 Recorded live at the 2024 WHO PRS Stakeholder Review Conference, this special episode brings together leading voices in the prevention and response to sexual misconduct. Hosted by Dr. Gaya Gamhewage (Director, PRS at WHO), join Professor Frank Dobbin (Harvard University), Dr. Marianne Cooper (Stanford University), and Joelle Payom (activist, survivor, and founder of Rezalliance) as they share thei

When men fight for victims' rights Nov 20, 2024 31:55 Mirko Fernandez is a victim advocate at the Global Fund. In this episode, he talks about the complexities of preventing and responding to sexual misconduct in the aid sector. Mirko shares how his career was shaped by his parents, who were Chilean exiles, and their activism against human rights violations in their home country. We also hear about his work in forensic anthropology and his advocacy

When Sexual Harassment Training Backfires Oct 29, 2024 24:51 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 hig

Sex, Power, and Consent: Decoding Sexual Misconduct Oct 8, 2024 29:02 Professor Zoe Peterson is a researcher at the Kinsey Institute, which has been a global leader in the study of human sexuality for over 75 years. In this episode, she talks about the intricate relationship between human sexuality and sexual misconduct. Peterson talks about the blurred lines between seduction and coercion and how unwanted sex and non-consensual sex are not the same thing. We

Strength in Solidarity: Women's Rights Organizations Supporting SEA Survivors in Malawi Sep 24, 2024 39:33 Lusungu Kalanga and Amanda Bangura are the co-leads supporting victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse in Malawi through their partnership with Women's Rights Organizations. In this podcast, Lusungu and Amanda discuss how important the principles of feminism are to their co-leadership and how it helps them derive joy from the most demanding of roles. We hear about the critical ro

Shifting Leadership Mindsets: Collective Action Against Sexual Misconduct Sep 10, 2024 28:21 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.

The Sociology of Sexual Harassment: Gender Dynamics at Work Aug 20, 2024 25:20 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 c

Psychopaths and Sexual Misconduct Perpetrators: Common Traits Aug 6, 2024 33:09 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 offende

No aid without meeting standards of conduct! Jul 23, 2024 28:19 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 leadershi

From Betrayal to Courage: Leading Organizational Change Jul 9, 2024 33:27 Elizabeth Broderick was Australia's longest-serving Sex Discrimination Commissioner, a UN Special Rapporteur on discrimination against women and girls and led major reviews into the treatment of women in the country's military, police, parliament and the private sector. In this episode, Elizabeth discusses her journey to becoming a prominent advocate for gender equality. She reflects on her

Behind the Headlines: Safeguarding in Emergencies Jun 25, 2024 21:59 Dr Fiona Braka, WHO's program area manager for emergency response in the African region, talks about the 2021 Independent Commission report on allegations of sexual misconduct during the 10th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo the previous year. Fiona talks about her shock and horror at learning about the allegations, the sadness she felt for victims and the sense of sham

How Sexual Exploitation is Fuelled by Economic Interests Jun 11, 2024 26:00 Dr Jasmine Westendorf, Associate Professor at La Trobe University in Australia, shares some of her findings about sexual exploitation and abuse perpetrated by peacekeepers and aid workers in humanitarian operations. In this episode, Dr Westendorf discusses the economic interests that lead to exploitation - and how this can have a lasting impact on a community even when the peace operation move

Language: the power to Heal and Harm May 14, 2024 27:34 Ellie Kemp is the strategic partnership director of the humanitarian linguistic organization, Clear Global. In this episode, Ellie talks about how language is tied up with power dynamics, and how this is amplified within the aid system. In an Anglo-centric sector, professional standards and official documentation are developed in English, reflecting a certain worldview. Ellie says this hinders co

From prosecuting sex crimes, to protecting communities from aid workers Apr 30, 2024 30:07 Abigail Averbach is the manager of the Coordination Unit of the Protection From Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment at The Global Fund. In this episode, Abigal talks about what needs to happen to achieve zero tolerance for sexual misconduct. Abigail shares her journey from being a US prosecutor to her current role and highlights the lessons she learned from her career. She emphasises the i

Survivor Speaks Out Apr 16, 2024 30:04 NASA engineer Bryan Robles, a male survivor of sexual violence, speaks as our first survivor to feature in the "#NoExcuse Podcast" series. Recounting how he connected with WHO's work on supporting victims and survivors of sexual misconduct, Bryan explains his long journey filled with internal struggle, shame and self-blame. He shares why he chose to speak publicly about his experience. He delivers

Turning Policies into Action: Leading Change on Sexual Misconduct in the UN System Apr 2, 2024 26:43 In this episode, Kelly Clements, Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, speaks about how she led a culture change to address sexual harassment not just in her agency, UNHCR, but across the UN system. Deputy High Commissioner Clements emphasizes how UNHCR took a survivor-centered approach, and the role of strong and shared leadership to enable organizational change.

Balancing Justice and Healing in Sexual Misconduct Cases Mar 19, 2024 24:59 In this episode of the #NoExcuse Podcast by the World Health Organization (WHO), Sigrid Kranawetter, Senior Advisor to the WHO Director-General, discusses the fundamental principle of "Do No Harm" and its connection to preventing and addressing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. She emphasizes the responsibility of public health professionals to uphold ethical standards and prevent harm.

Decoding the Challenges: Insights into Sexual Misconduct Investigations Mar 5, 2024 27:39 In this episode, we discuss with Lisa McClennon, Director of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) at the WHO, the vital role of investigations in fostering accountability and preventing future misconduct. She discusses the challenges, principles, and evolving trends in investigating sexual misconduct, emphasizing a victim and survivor-centered approach while maintaining organizational i

Exploring Shared Experiences: Sexual Misconduct in the Aid and Health Sector Feb 19, 2024 33:09 In this podcast episode, Dr. Roopa Dhatt, the Co- Founder and Executive Director of Women in Global Health, addresses the factors perpetuating sexual misconduct in a landscape where women constitute 70% of the health workforce but remain underrepresented in leadership positions. Dr. Dhatt illuminates the collaborative efforts between Women in Global Health and the World Health Organization (WHO)

First on the Ground: How Civil Society Organizations Address Sexual Misconduct by aid workers in communities Feb 3, 2024 20:15 "We just need more action." Memory Kachambwa is Executive Director of Femnet, a Civil Society Organization (CSO) that champions the voices of African women. She highlights the unique position of CSO as first responders in crises. Memory says CSOs are often relegated to the role of implementing partners with insufficient resources and support. Despite their crucial role in amplifying community v

Partnering for change: when organizations in the aid sector work together to assist victims and survivors of sexual misconduct Jan 23, 2024 29:54 UN agencies must provide holistic support to any victim or survivor of sexual misconduct by aid-workers, but this work requires expertise and inputs by a wide range of partners. WHO's partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), for victim and survivor support in the Democratic Republic of Congo provides a promising model for how this essential work can be carried out. In this epis

Voices from the Field: Navigating Challenges to Preventing Sexual Misconduct in Emergency Settings Jan 9, 2024 16:24 Erin MacDonald is WHO's Prevention and Response to Sexual Misconduct Technical Officer in Syria. In this latest episode, she sheds light on the pervasive issue of sexual misconduct within the aid sector. Drawing on her experience in emergency settings in places like Ukraine, Ethiopia and South Sudan, she emphasizes the heightened risks in such environments and the urgent need for prevention measu

Addressing sexual misconduct as a man: stories from conservative settings Dec 27, 2023 15:59 In this eye-opening episode, Ibrahim Abu Khalil, WHO's full-time Prevention and Response to Sexual Misconduct Technical Officer, shares his experiences working in high-risk countries like Libya, Liberia, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and now Yemen, shedding light on the intricacies of navigating cultural taboos. Discover how Ibrahim removes taboos to establish trust within communities. Despite being a ma

Standing in their shoes: Insights from a trailblazer in victim and survivor's rights Dec 12, 2023 21:15 In this transformative episode, United Nations Victims' Rights Advocate, Assistant Secretary General Jane Connors brings her extensive experience in sexual and gender-based violence to raise awareness for the rights and voices of victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse. Jane reflects on her past, examines the remaining challenges to this issue, and also the drivers that contribute t

Gender Based Violence in Society: Links with Sexual Misconduct by Aid Workers Nov 28, 2023 20:17 While we are focusing on sexual misconduct by development and humanitarian work, in this episode we look at the importance of the broader context of Gender Based Violence in society. We interview Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at the World Health Organization, overseeing the United Nations' Co-sponsored Special Program in Human Reprodu

Cultivating a culture of respect: everyone's business Nov 14, 2023 27:55 In this episode, Dr. Gaya Gamhewage, Director of Prevention of and Response to Sexual Misconduct at the World Health Organization, delves into the challenging topic of sexual misconduct within the humanitarian and development sectors. She discusses her evolving emotions when first confronted with allegations of sexual exploitation. Dr. Gamhewage emphasizes the need for a cultural shift within th

Introducing #NoExcuse Nov 7, 2023 02:19 The #NoExcuse podcast is produced by the World Health Organization's Department for the Prevention of and Response to Sexual Misconduct. There is no excuse for sexual misconduct in the humanitarian or development sectors. Many people don't want to think about the often-ignored topic of sexual misconduct by our personnel. Shining a light on this dark and painful topic is an important step to addres

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