Frequently Asked Questions What is sexual corruption in water and sanitation? What makes sexual corruption different from other forms of GBV in the water and sanitation sectors? Is sexual corruption really common in the water and sanitation sectors? How does sexual corruption affect women’s rights and wellbeing? Who is most vulnerable to sexual corruption in water and sanitation? Does water and sanitation infrastructure make a difference? Are there effective responses or preventive mechanisms for sexual corruption? What can I or my organisation do? Understanding sexual corruption, or "sex for water"   What is sexual corruption in water and sanitation? Sexual corruption, or "sextortion", is a form of corruption where sex — rather than money — is the currency of a bribe. It occurs when someone in a position of power abuses that power to get sexual acts in exchange for a service, opportunity, or benefit. In the water and sanitation sectors for example, someone could be coerced into sexual acts to: Get access to water Obtain or renew water connections Skip long queues, expedite long processes, or avoid inflated prices Gain access to toilets or bathing areas Sexual corruption can happen anywhere: in schools, workplaces, administrative offices, or when accessing essential services like WASH or healthcare, anywhere in the world . Women are most often affected but others can be affected too. The term was first popularised by the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ)  in 2009, and it is now recognised globally as both a form of corruption and a form of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This double definition is important. It highlights that sexual corruption is not like other forms of gender-based violence and not like other forms of abuse of power . Sexual corruption in water and sanitation reflects unequal access and power dynamics. It is linked to gender inequality, corruption, and poor infrastructure. It limits the human rights to water and sanitation and violates basic human rights principles of equal rights and non-discrimination. What makes sexual corruption different from other forms of GBV in the water and sanitation sectors? Sexual corruption is a hybrid abuse: It is sexual exploitation/abuse  (because it violates bodily autonomy). It is corruption  (because it involves the misuse of entrusted power and a coercive “exchange”). Even if physical violence is not used, there is hidden pressure to engage, especially as water and sanitation are basic and essential. Most legal systems treat sexual violence and corruption as separate crimes, leaving sexual corruption in a grey area. When laws do not explicitly recognise the act, victims struggle to seek justice. The transactional element of sexual corruption complicates recognition and also reporting. Even where laws exist, survivors often lack safe, confidential ways to report incidents or access legal aid and psychological or social support in the water and sanitation sectors and beyond. Survivors fear they will be wrongly portrayed as complicit and there are reports they also distrust the police and judiciary to take action. Furthermore, the sexual element means it is not, or rarely, detected or covered by tradition anti-corruption systems. Corruption reporting mechanisms are still too rarely oriented to protect or support victims. As a result, sexual corruption remains very much taboo. Perpetrators remain unpunished, and the cycle of abuse continues. Is sexual corruption really common in the water and sanitation sectors? Women have specific water and sanitation needs. In many places, women and girls also collect and manage water for their households. When access is limited or controlled, by meter readers, repair workers, water truck operators, contractors, informal providers, or landlords, women are then on the front line for abuse. Scarcity and poor services, high levels of informality, long distances to facilities, weak oversight, or unclear complaint systems increase the power imbalance and the risk. Though it is poorly documented or studied, there is evidence that sexual corruption in water and sanitation is widespread but taboo. Cases have been reported in the water and sanitation sectors in many countries including Kenya , Zimbabwe , South Africa, Colombia , and the United States . More extensive research has also been carried out in Kenya, Mexico , Bangladesh , and Uganda . How does sexual corruption affect women’s rights and wellbeing? Sexual corruption violates the human rights to water, sanitation, and the principles of equality, and dignity. Victims face physical, psychological, and social harm. Many experience depression, anxiety, or trauma, compounded by shame, stigma, and fear of reprisal. The impacts go beyond individuals: Public trust declines, undermining confidence in service providers and institutions Gender inequality deepens, as women’s safety and access are compromised Development goals stall, since corruption in water and sanitation directly affects health, livelihoods, and education     Understanding risk, preventing, and responding to sexual corruption   Who is most vulnerable to sexual corruption in water and sanitation? Research from Kenya , Bangladesh , and Uganda shows that sexual corruption disproportionately affects poor, water-insecure, and less educated women . The main drivers of risk are: Poverty : When people cannot afford official fees or bribes, they may be coerced into sexual exchanges instead. Water insecurity : Those relying on shared or informal water sources are at higher risk, as they often depend on gatekeepers for access. Low literacy and awareness : Lack of education limits knowledge of rights and available reporting mechanisms. Gender and social norms : In many contexts, women are expected to remain silent about sexual abuse, leading to severe underreporting.   Does water and sanitation infrastructure make a difference? Improved infrastructure directly reduces vulnerability to sexual corruption . Studies show that women with private, piped water connections or household toilets are significantly less exposed to sexual corruption. Investments should prioritise: Expanding household-level water connections Installing safe, well-lit, private sanitation facilities Reducing travel time and exposure to unsafe or informal access points Strengthening community oversight of WASH projects Infrastructure alone is not enough, but it forms the backbone of prevention by minimising dependence on informal systems where abuse thrives.   Are there effective responses or preventive mechanisms for sexual corruption? Tackling sexual corruption requires addressing both its corruption and gender dimensions . Strong integrity systems  in the water and sanitation sectors can reduce opportunities for abuse and empower users to demand accountability. When WASH service delivery is transparent, affordable, and inclusive, the discretionary power that enables sexual corruption diminishes. In addition to better infrastructure, key actions include: Legal recognition: Define sexual corruption as both corruption and sexual abuse in anti-corruption and gender-based violence laws. Definitions must highlight abuse of power and ensure survivors are not criminalised. Policy integration: Include sexual corruption in national integrity frameworks, WASH strategies, and sector guidelines Training and awareness: Equip officials, contractors, and community workers to recognise, prevent, and respond to sexual corruption Reporting mechanisms: Create safe, anonymous channels for survivors to report abuse without fear Victim support: Provide access to counselling, legal aid, and community-based protection systems Community engagement: Promote awareness and challenge norms that normalise abuse or silence victims  What can I or my organisation do? Name it explicity (in policies, training, reporting categories) and share this FAQ! In addition to implementing gender-sensitive programmes and infrastructure, your organisation can: Join calls for research and recognition of sexual corruption in water and sanitation and beyond. Raise awareness within your organisation on the dual nature of sexual corruption and highlight the abuse of entrusted power . Note the risks in service delivery, programme implementation, and human resources. Dedicated training can help ( WIN can support you with training ) Adapt codes of conduct and establish clear standards of behaviour for staff , contractors, and grantees, for example including clear contractual language prohibiting abuse of power for sexual gain Engage with and support communities, CSOs, and women and GBV protection organisations , also to address underlying drivers of risk Adapt reporting channels and implement survivor centred protection mechanisms: psychosocial support, safety planning, anonymity, referrals—following established GBV/PSEA protocols. Investigate the service-provision environment (billing, access logs, water-trucking schedules, repair orders) or collaborate with researchers to document corruption patterns without exposing survivors. Strengthen oversight of frontline workers, contractors, and local gatekeepers. We can build systems that serve people, not exploit them. The fight against sexual corruption in water and sanitation is not just about stopping abuse, it’s about ensuring that everyone can access water and sanitation safely, fairly, and with dignity .

New research on the prevalence of sexual corruption in access to WASH in three districts reveals urgent need for recognition and action In 2024-2025, WIN, with support from UWASNET and ANEW , carried out research in Bunyangabu, Kabarole, and Lira districts in Uganda on the prevalence of  sexual corruption in access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Sexual corruption (sometimes referred to as sextortion) happens when someone in a position of power demands, hints at, or accepts sexual acts in exchange for water and sanitation access, repairs, connections, jobs, or rights. --- "Sex for water" is real and affects women in several districts The women interviewed for the research revealed a widespread but hidden problem threatening women accessing WASH in different districts of Uganda . The research shows clearly that sexual corruption is a specific issue, unlike other forms of gender-based violence. It confirms earlier findings from Kenya  and Bangladesh , showing that poverty, water insecurity, long travel times, and district-level governance gaps drive risk , not individual traits or behaviour. Interestingly, the results vary significantly between districts. --- Recognise, raise awareness, and build safe water infrastructure To ensure progress on Uganda's targets for water and sanitation access and gender equality, targeted action is necessary to prevent and stop sexual corruption in the water and sanitation sectors. There are three key levers for change in the WASH sector: Formal recognition of sexual corruption in law and policy , with the dual definition of corruption / abuse of power and gender-based violence. Better infrastructure , close to or at home, and designed for women's safety. Awareness and safeguards within water and sanitation institutions, oversight and enforcement bodies, and service providers. See all the findings, download the brief: Lessons learned from campaigns against sexual corruption in East Africa Civil society networks in Kenya, ANEW and KEWASNET, worked with legislators to bring sexual corruption in water access onto the national agenda after research documented widespread “sex for water” practices. A formal petition in Parliament to amend the Penal Code to explicitly criminalise sexual corruption has led to cross-sector commitments for better recognition and is on track to be formally acted on. Three key elements have been key to decisive action on sexual corruption issues in water and sanitation in Kenya but also in education in Tanzania and other sectors globally : E xposure and awareness, backed by research and evidence of the practice, L egal recognition based on dual framing of corruption / abuse of power AND sexual and gender-based violence,  T argeted measures and codes of conducts within sector institutions. --- DOWNLOAD Title A Call to Protect Women and Ensure Safe Access to Water and Sanitation in Uganda: Research on Prevalence of Sexual Corruption in Access to WASH in Three Disctricts Reveals Urgent Need for Action Author Water Integrity Network December 2025 Contributors ANEW , UWASNET Description Key results from surveys in three disctricts of Uganda on experiences of sexual corruption in the water and sanitation sectors. Description of the approach, key findings including on the drivers of risk (including poverty, water insecurity, long travel times to fetch water, district-level governance gaps). Recommendations focus on need for recognition and awareness, need for better infrastructure and clear service standards, social protection measures, and more research.

Report of the National Review with Focus on the Districts of Lira, Kabarole, and Bunyangabu New assessment is a call on government, regulators, service providers, civil society, and development partners to work together to strengthen corruption prevention, improve integrity of service providers and institutions, and enhance meaningful participation. Uganda's legal, policy, and institutional framework for water governance has evolved significantly in the last 10 years and now provides for clearer responsibilities, improved coordination platforms, and better performance monitoring systems. Accountability in the sector has been strengthened through proactive regulation, (joint) sector review processes, sector consolidation of service delivery and clear responsibilities, and the active oversight of the Office of the Auditor General and other national institutions. However, despite this robust framework, service delivery is not keeping pace with demand. The system falters under stress from climate impacts, population growth, undue political interference, or corruption incidents. There are gaps between strong rules, their implementation, and the ability of the sector to handle issues and non-compliance. Without decisive integrity-focused action, these weaknesses will continue to undermine service reliability, financial sustainability, environmental protection, and public trust. --- CONTEXT The Water Integrity Network conducted an accountability review for the Ugandan water sector with support from UWASNET starting in 2024. The study provides a broad review of transparency, accountability, participation, and anti-corruption measures in the water sector across investment planning, service delivery, governance of sector institutions, resource management, and environmental protection . --- WATER GOVERNANCE AND INTEGRITY IN UGANDA: MAIN FINDINGS The assessment shows that: National planning documents, budgeting procedures, and sector review processes are generally well established and are among the most clearly defined elements of the sector. Planning, sector review processes, permitting, and drilling oversight appear to face fewer integrity challenges compared to other thematic areas. The area with the most pronounced weaknesses is the governance and management of sector institutions including service providers . This is one of the only areas where the rules and obligations are also minimal or absent. Sector institutions lack anti-corruption strategies and systems, including whistleblower protection. Many decisions are at the discretion of key players, and there are significant openings for malpractice. The report also highlights a few specific integrity concerns: Procurement , where the corruption risk remains high across the different levels. Water quality management , where district capacity has deteriorated, testing is irregular, and communication and follow-up is limited. Tariff setting and revenue management , where discretion is high. Integrity issues in sanitation, especially on-site sanitation, need further investigation. --- RECOMMENDATIONS There are three main priorities for water governance, covering different recommendations: A strong sector positioning on integrity: transparency, accountability, participation, and anti-corruption in law and policy; integrity metrics in regulator reports; integrity research; and broader dissemination of findings from oversight institutions. Integrity at institutional level for strong water authorities, local water offices, and water committees : requirements on internal integrity and anti-corruption systems including codes of conduct, standardised operating procedures, whistleblower protection, and strong customer service; training and support for financial management and open procurement. Strong accountability through transparent regulation AND civil society engagement: funding and support for social accountability and engagement with water users and civil society; capacity, clear criteria and processes for regulation, especially on tariff setting, gazetting, and water quality management; capacity for cooperation with national oversight institutions (OAG, IG) and PPDA. --- DOWNLOAD See all findings per water sector area and detailed recommendations: Title Uganda Water Sector Participatory Accountability Review: Report of the National Review with Focus on the Districts of Bunyangabu, Kabarole, and Lira Author Water Integrity Network December 2025 Contributors UWASNET Abstract This report provides a comprehensive integrity and accountability assessment of Uganda’s water sector, evaluating how effectively the country’s legal and policy framework is implemented in practice. Using a de jure–de facto approach and field verification in three districts, it examines transparency and accountability in investment planning, service delivery, and environmental management. The findings reveal a persistent gap between well-defined rules and weak corrective action and implementation, with significant vulnerabilities in enforcement, procurement , financial management, water quality monitoring, and corporate governance.

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The Water Integrity Network is putting integrity at the heart of water management and the delivery of water and sanitation services. Clean water needs clean governance Integrity can make the water and sanitation sectors more resilient, more equitable, and less vulnerable to corruption, and malpractice. Join us in advocating for integrity and ensuring clean water management and services, for all . FIND OUT MORE Report: Water Integrity Global Outlook 3 READ REPORT Latest trends and practical insight to promote integrity in water and sanitation finance News SEE ALL POSTS Water integrity? It's essential Corruption and integrity issues happen everywhere and in all sectors, but in water and sanitation, the impact is particularly dramatic, for people's lives, communities, economies, and ecosystems. We can change this, with integrity . We can ensure resources are used where intended and most needed. We can fix the leaks and systematic weaknesses that leave infrastructure at breaking point and pollution unchecked. Stand with us for change. What you can do Water integrity is not a pipe dream. There are many practical ways to ensure sector institutions are run with integrity and without impunity. We can start by realistically discussing integrity risks and corruption issues. We can then nurture integrity through Transparency, Accountability, Participation, and Anti-corruption measures. And, we can work collectively for change. Get training TRAINING Understand integrity risks ASSESSMENTS Strengthen your work with integrity TOOLS Become a partner NETWORK Newsletter Sign up to our newsletter First name Last name Email SUBSCRIBE Thanks for subscribing! Events and trainings Integrity in Water and Sanitation Utilities in Latin America Training - Online Course Human settlements in Lima: corruption, integrity, and access to water and sanitation Training - Online Course Integrity in Informal Settlements: Securing the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation Gender & Inclusion Partner network Our network, events, and tools are open and available to all. We welcome collaboration, questions, and feedback. Organisations that wish to show their commitment to improving integrity in water and sanitation management and actively collaborate on integrity programmes are also invited to partner with us formally. Take a stand for water integrity: become a formal WIN partner now. JOIN WIN