Protecting Women with Disabilities from Sexual Harassment in Africa

Johnson, A

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-32367-6_3

Protecting Women with Disabilities from Sexual Harassment in Africa

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Adetokunbo (Ade) Johnson ORCiD

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Abstract

Sexual harassment, a form of violence against women, is defined as an unwelcome sexual behaviour that often occurs in situations of unequal power relationships. Research has shown how compared to women without disabilities, women with disabilities are increasingly susceptible to sexual violence and are also more likely to be in situations of unequal power relationships that trigger unwelcome sexual acts. Consequently, this chapter asks whether women with disabilities are adequately protected from acts of sexual harassment in Africa. This question is essential for two reasons. First, this question draws attention to unacknowledged acts of sexual harassment against women with disabilities in Africa. Second, this question underscores the interactions and intersections between identity categories of gender and disability and how these interactions reinforce the sexual harassment of women with disabilities in African countries. The conclusion from this analysis stresses the importance of developing an intersectional lens in legal systems if there is any serious attempt to end acts of sexual harassment of women with disabilities in Africa.