African Science Frontiers Initiatives, a non-governmental organisation that is poised to raise the next generation of African scientists with the right competencies to drive Africa's developmental and transformational agenda through innovative scientific research, maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and child abuse in all forms. Every staff member, volunteer, vendor, and partner is required to uphold the highest ethical standards in their interactions with beneficiaries, colleagues, and community members. Protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, is at the core of our mission.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Prevent and respond to SEAH and child abuse within our organizational programs
• Protect vulnerable individuals and uphold their dignity and rights
• Ensure compliance with international safeguarding standards

This policy applies to:

• All employees, consultants, volunteers, interns, contractors, and partner organizations
• All organizational activities, including physical, virtual, and community engagements

• Zero Tolerance: No compromise on SEAH or child abuse
• Confidentiality: Respect the privacy of all parties during investigations
• Do No Harm: Prioritize the well-being of beneficiaries and communities
• Accountability: All staff are responsible for compliance

• Sexual Exploitation: Abuse of vulnerability or power for sexual purposes, including transactional sex
• Sexual Abuse: Physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal conditions
• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests, or conduct creating a hostile or intimidating environment
• Child Protection: Measures to prevent harm, neglect, exploitation, or abuse of children under 18 years

• Management: Enforce policy, allocate resources, ensure accountability
• Staff & Volunteers: Adhere to the policy, complete mandatory training, report concerns immediately
• Safeguarding Focal Point: Handle complaints, coordinate investigations, and ensure victim support

• Engaging in sexual relationships with beneficiaries, particularly minors (under 18)
• Requesting or offering sexual favors in exchange for services, aid, or employment
• Making sexually suggestive comments, jokes, or gestures
• Viewing, sharing, or distributing child sexual abuse material
• Failing to report suspected or actual cases of SEAH or child abuse

• Recruitment: Pre-employment checks, including background and reference verification
• Training: Mandatory SEAH and child protection training for all personnel
• Code of Conduct: Signed commitment by all staff and partners
• Community Awareness: Beneficiaries informed about their rights and reporting channels

• Reporting Channels: Accessible, confidential mechanisms (hotline, email)
• Whistleblower Protection: No retaliation against good-faith reporting
• Investigation: Prompt, impartial, and confidential process
• Support Services: Provision of psychological, medical, and legal assistance for victims

Any staff member, volunteer, or partner found guilty of SEAH or child abuse will face:

• Immediate termination of employment or contract
• Possible legal prosecution
• Reporting to relevant authorities and professional bodies

• Annual review of this policy to ensure alignment with best practices and international standards (e.g., UN, IASC guidelines)
• Regular audits and safeguarding risk assessments
• Continuous improvement based on feedback and lessons learned

All staff, registered members, volunteers, ambassadors, speakers, vendors, contractors, and partners must:

• Treat all individuals with respect and dignity
• Never engage in sexual activity with children (under 18 years), beneficiaries, or vulnerable persons
• Never request or accept sexual favors in exchange for services, money, or opportunities
• Report any suspicion or knowledge of SEAH or child abuse immediately
• Maintain confidentiality and protect whistleblowers
• Avoid any behavior (verbal, physical, online) that could be seen as harassment or exploitation

Use the form below to report any incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, or child abuse. All reports are treated with strict confidentiality.