Research on Sexual Harassment (RoSH) Initiative
Towards Evidence-Based Policy and Practice
About the Initiative
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a pervasive occupational hazard and research has shown that it is prevalent particularly in the tourism and hospitality industry. Despite tourism being a major economic driver in Mauritius, contributing 9% to GDP and employing 45,900 people (Statistics Mauritius 2023) of which 42.6% are women (Le Mauricien 2024). There is a critical lack of comprehensive data on sexual harassment in this sector.
The Research on Sexual Harassment (RoSH) Initiative is addressing this critical knowledge gap through innovative, feminist-centered research that combines quantitative surveys, qualitative analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Our goal is to understand the prevalence of sexual harassment in Mauritius' tourism industry and develop evidence-based prevention strategies that create safer workplaces. This research project is titled "Addressing Sexual Harassment in Mauritius' Tourism Industry: Composite Measure for Evidence-Based Policy and Practice".
Addressing Sexual Harassment in Mauritius' Tourism Industry: Composite data for Evidence-based Policy and Practice
Why This Research Matters
The worldwide welfare cost of gender-based violence is estimated at around 5% of global GDP, approximately five times the cost of war (Stojetz and Bruck 2023). Yet despite this enormous impact, Mauritius faces significant data gaps that hinder effective policy development and prevention strategies.
Critical Data Gaps in Mauritius
Existing data on sexual harassment is dated, aggregated, and insufficient. The most recent comprehensive surveys were conducted in 2010-2011 and 2016, leaving policymakers and practitioners without current evidence to inform their work. Self-reported data significantly underestimates the true prevalence due to reporting stigma and social desirability bias.
Key Statistics according to GenderLinks (2012) :
- Only 1 in 3 physically abused women report incidents to police
- Only 1 in 7 rape survivors report to police
- Only 1 in 6 physically abused women sought medical attention for injuries
Tourism in Mauritius: A Vital but Under-Researched Sector
Tourism serves as a key pillar of Mauritius' national economy. Tourism contributes approximately 9% to its GDP and secures job opportunities for around 45 900 people (Statistics Mauritius 2023). In addition, women represent 42.6% of the tourism workforce, surpassing the national average of 38.4% (Le Mauricien 2024). They hold a wide array of positions, including roles in housekeeping, kitchen operations, customer service, and management. Addressing sexual harassment in this sector using a feminist perspective is essential for safeguarding employee well-being and ensuring the sustainable development of Mauritius' tourism industry.
Our Approach: Three Core Objectives
📋 Objective 1: Policy Appraisal
Comprehensive situational analysis of current policies and interventions to tackle sexual harassment in the workplace
The project is conducting a thorough desk review of existing legislations, policies, and workplace interventions, complemented by innovative social media content analysis to understand public discourse on sexual harassment. Focus group discussions are being held across four regions of Mauritius (North, South, East, and West), and stakeholder consultations are engaging representatives from government ministries, private sector organizations, NGOs, and trade unions to assess awareness and identify gaps in current protection mechanisms.
📊 Objective 2: Understanding Prevalence
Quantify the prevalence of sexual harassment and gauge attitudes in the tourism sector
A comprehensive survey of 1,500 tourism sector employees is being designed to employ innovative list experiment methodology to protect respondent privacy while encouraging honest reporting. The survey is analyzing linkages between workplace harassment and other forms of violence, examining awareness of available resources and support systems, and exploring the relationship between sexual harassment and attitudes toward women. This mixed-methods approach is providing the first robust, sector-specific data on sexual harassment in Mauritius' tourism industry.
🎯 Objective 3: Creating Awareness & Mobilizing Stakeholders
Ensure research uptake and translation into policy and practice
The project is organizing an international conference on Gender-Based Violence and Tourism in collaboration with the International Consortium for Social Development, bringing together academics, practitioners, and policymakers. An evidence-based e-toolkit is being developed specifically for the tourism industry, and research findings are being published in high-ranking academic journals. Throughout the project, ongoing stakeholder engagement is ensuring that research translates into concrete policy recommendations and practical interventions.
Key Focus Areas
💬 Innovative Methodology
Employing cutting-edge survey techniques to capture accurate prevalence data while protecting respondent privacy
👩💼 Capacity Building
Training two early-career researchers through postdoctoral fellowships, contributing to long-term institutional capacity in gender-based violence research
📢 Knowledge Mobilization
Developing practical tools including an e-toolkit for the tourism industry and actionable policy recommendations
🌐 Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
Consultations with government, private sector, NGOs, and trade unions to co-create sustainable solutions
Our Impact Goals
By the end of this 18-month initiative, the project will:
- Provide the first comprehensive, sector-specific data on sexual harassment in Mauritius' tourism industry
- Develop evidence-based policy recommendations for government and private sector
- Create practical tools and resources for tourism industry employers and employees
- Build capacity of two early-career researchers in gender-based violence research
- Publish findings in high-ranking international academic journals
- Organize an international conference bringing together researchers and practitioners
- Contribute to creating safer, more equitable workplaces in Mauritius' tourism sector
Partner Organizations
This research brings together academic institutions and expects to collaborate with NGOs, private sector organizations, and government bodies:
Academic Institutions
Funded By
This research is made possible through a grant from the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) under the "Knowledge for Action to End Violence Against Women and Violence Against Children" program. The SVRI is the world's largest network on research on violence against women and violence against children, with thousands of members across more than 160 countries. Learn more about SVRI