📔 THE PROJECT

Background and Context

The Global Picture

Gender-based violence (GBV) represents one of the most significant human rights challenges of our time. The worldwide welfare cost of gender-based violence is estimated to be around 5% of global GDP - about five times that of war. Sexual harassment, a prevalent form of GBV, is particularly common in certain industries, with tourism and hospitality identified as having among the highest levels of sexual harassment incidents compared to other sectors.

The Situation in Mauritius

Mauritius has made significant progress in gender equality and women's empowerment, yet gender-based violence remains a persistent challenge. In addition to official data from government institutions and the police, two surveys on gender-based violence were conducted in 2010-2011 (Gender Links 2012) and 2016 (University of Mauritius 2016). These data sources show that nearly a quarter of Mauritian women experienced some type of GBV (including intimate-partner violence) at least once in their lifetime, while 22.9% of men admit to perpetrating GBV at least once in their lifetime. While useful for broad trends, the existing work does not allow identifying the prevalence, causes of, and policies towards different types of gender-based violence and sexual harassment in the workplace in particular. All existing sources rely on self-reported data, which underestimates the prevalence of gender-based violence due to reporting stigma and social desirability bias (Cullen 2023). According to GenderLinks (2012), only one in three women who were physically abused reported it to the police, while one in six physically abused women sought medical attention for injuries. Likewise, only one in seven women rape survivors reported it to the police.

The latest available data on sexual harassment in the workplace in Mauritius is from 2021 and 2022 from the Ministry of Labour, Human Resource Development Training, which indicates that in 2021 89 women and 91 men were subject to workplace violence, while in 2022 the respective figures were 133 men and 145 men (MRIC 2023). According to the GenderLinks (2012) data, 6.3% of women experienced sexual harassment at work during their lifetime. As MRIC (2023) clearly states: "... the data available is restricted and says little about the phenomenon of GBV at the workplace. There is clearly room for an agenda of research to investigate the linkage between GBV and the workplace."

The lack of understanding of sexual harassment in the workplace in Mauritius is a noticeable knowledge gap. Sexual harassment is a common occupational hazard for women devastating them, both personally and professionally (Holland and Cortina, 2013). Feminist perspectives posit that sexual harassment should not be seen merely as abnormal behavior, but rather as a type of violence towards women originating from gender biases and patriarchal structures (Samuels 2003). According to feminist theories, sexual harassment exists because of the views on women as the inferior sex in a dominant sexist male ideology of male superiority in society, and it serves to maintain the already existing gender stratification by emphasizing sex role expectations (Samuels 2003).

Why Focus on Tourism?

The project focus on the tourism industry because it is a rapidly expanding global sector that employs a significant number of women, many of whom are GBV victims (Mpu and Adu 2021). If awarded funding, this project will serve as a proof-of-concept study that will then be replicated in other sectors, thus accurately capturing the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment and evaluating the interventions to prevent it. While the tourism industry contributes to the economic well-being of women, previous studies indicate that women in tourism often face poorer working conditions, gender inequality, and lower pay compared to men (Marrero and Huete 2013; Figueora-Domecq et al. 2015; ILO 2020), and are also exposed to exploitation and harassment (Mousa et al., 2023). Milczarek (2010) and Hoel and Einarsen, (2003) have identified the tourism and hospitality sector as having the highest levels of sexual harassment incidents compared to other industries.

However, the tourism and hospitality literature has largely overlooked this issue, and gender-based violence is seldom studied in tourism (Hoel and Einarse 2003; Ram et al. 2016; Eger et al 2020). Some key factors contributing to violence against women in the tourism sector include gender inequality, cultural norms and gender-based stereotypes, lack of awareness and education, alcohol and drug use, economic pressures, insufficient legal protection, and a permissive culture (Mpu and Ad 2021; Eger, 2021; Mousa et al. 2023).

In Mauritius, tourism is one of the drivers of the national economy. Tourism contributes approximately 9% to its GDP and secures job opportunities for around 45 900 people (Statistics Mauritius 2023). In addition, women comprise 42.6% of the tourism workforce, exceeding the national average of 38.4% (Le Mauricien 2024). In the tourism industry, women often work in temporary, seasonal, or informal employment and in shifts across a diverse range of roles, including kitchen staff, waiters, housekeeping staff, frontline customer service staff, and even senior management positions. Understanding GBV - and workplace sexual harassment in particular - within the tourism industry in Mauritius is critical for its employees' well-being, along with understanding coping and prevention strategies at both the individual and institutional levels.

Theoretical Framework

Feminist Perspective

The RoSH Initiative employs a feminist-centered methodology that recognizes sexual harassment not merely as abnormal behavior, but as a type of violence towards women originating from gender biases and patriarchal structures. According to feminist theories, sexual harassment exists because of views on women as the inferior sex in a dominant sexist male ideology. It serves to maintain existing gender stratification by emphasizing sex role expectations. Therefore, prevention must address underlying gender stereotypes, biases, and male dominance.

Our feminist approach emphasizes identifying underlying gender stereotypes and biases, understanding sex role expectations in the workplace, analyzing male dominance in tourism sector hierarchies, centering women's voices and experiences, and promoting structural change rather than just individual solutions.

Intersectionality

The research acknowledges the varied socio-political structures affecting different demographics within the tourism sector. We recognize that experiences of sexual harassment intersect with multiple factors including age and career stage, ethnicity and cultural background, job position and employment status, educational level, economic circumstances, and family situation. This intersectional approach ensures that our research captures the diverse experiences within Mauritius' multicultural society.

Innovation and Contribution

The innovation of the RoSH project is three-fold. First, the project is providing novel quantitative and qualitative data and research on the prevalence of sexual harassment in the tourism sector in Mauritius using composite measures from different validated and reliable instruments. This includes survey methodology, social media analysis, focus group discussions, stakeholder consultations, and desk review. Designing appropriate policies and evaluating prevention interventions is impossible without accurate data.

Second, the project employs a cutting-edge list experiment survey technique which is allowing more accurate estimation of the prevalence of sexual harassment. List experiments help estimate the prevalence of sensitive experiences without direct questions, ensuring privacy and honesty. This innovative methodology addresses the significant underreporting problem inherent in traditional survey methods.

Third, the rigorous data collection is sharpening understanding of the legal and workplace policies (both at the level of government and the private sector) which can effectively prevent and respond to sexual harassment. The evidence-based policies that are being evaluated are creating a solid basis for recommendations to relevant stakeholders and for raising awareness among policymakers, NGOs, and private companies in Mauritius.

Proof-of-Concept Study

This project is designed to serve as a proof-of-concept study that is being replicated in other sectors, thus accurately capturing the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment and evaluating the interventions to prevent it. While the tourism industry contributes to the economic well-being of women, a sector-by-sector approach is essential for understanding the intricacies of sexual harassment in the workplace and the complex interaction of sexual harassment with other types of harassment and violence.

Research Questions

The proposed project directly tackles three important research questions:

1. How can we improve research methods to increase the completeness and accuracy of data and reporting of GBV? (SVRI African research agenda)
2. What interventions work to prevent sexual harassment in institutional settings (in-person or online) in the workplace, and why? (SVRI global research agenda)
3. What strategies and mechanisms could be used in implementing evidence-based policies and practices in tackling sexual harassment in the tourism sector?

Research Methodology

The study is employing a mixed-methods approach, incorporating a survey, desk review, and stakeholder consultations, culminating in a conference for dissemination of findings. This study builds on feminist research and intersectionality, employing mixed methods to explore sexual harassment in Mauritius' tourism sector. The research analyzes legal policies and involves stakeholders to address inequalities. By engaging marginalized voices and diverse methods, the project aims to transform the status quo and tackle sexual violence and harassment.

Qualitative Research Methods

Desk Review: A comprehensive literature search is gathering baseline information on existing data, policies, legislation, structures, and mechanisms related to sexual harassment in the workplace, with a focus on the tourism sector. The sources include both local (Mauritius-specific) and international literature to provide a comparative perspective.

Social Media Analysis: Over three months, content from Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram is being analyzed using exportcomments.com to dissect the dynamics of workplace sexual harassment in the tourism sector. This innovative method using ATLAS-ti v.24 software is conducting thematic network analysis using abductive reasoning.

Focus Group Discussions: Four focus group discussions are being conducted across different regions of Mauritius (North, South, East, and West) with about eight mixed-gender and occupation participants in each group. These are validating and delving deeper into survey responses, using digital vignettes to present hypothetical scenarios and encourage discussion of personal experiences and attitudes.

Stakeholder Consultations: About 15 semi-structured interviews are being planned with key figures from government ministries, private sector decision-makers, NGOs, and trade unions. These consultations aim to validate findings and identify strategies for evidence-based policy interventions.

A thematic network analysis using abductive reasoning based on feminist perspectives is serving as the analytical framework. Mixed-method analysis is following five of the seven stages outlined by Onwuegbuzie and Teddlie (2003).

Quantitative Research: The Survey

The quantitative component involves a survey of 1,500 employees across Mauritius' tourism industry including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, catering services, and tourist facilities. The 1,500-respondent sample follows global best practice, including the EU Violence Against Women Survey (2014), and provides a ±2.5% margin of error at a 95% confidence level.

A two-stage cluster random sampling approach ensures the data accurately represents the tourism workforce. In the first stage, Mauritius is divided by region (North, South, East, and West/Central) and establishment size (large vs. small). In the second stage, several establishments are randomly selected from each category, and all employees within those establishments are invited to participate.

Collaboration with Statistics Mauritius, the Association of Hotels and Restaurants of Mauritius (AHRIM), and the Tourism Employees Welfare Fund (TEWF) ensures robust sampling and data quality.

Survey Design and Administration: The survey is conducted in person using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) on tablets to enhance accuracy and confidentiality. For sensitive questions, respondents record their answers privately, minimizing social pressure and ensuring honest reporting.

To promote comfort and safety:

• Female interviewers survey female respondents, and male interviewers survey males.
• Interviews are conducted in private rooms within establishments.
• Each session lasts 15 to 20 minutes to minimize fatigue.

All enumerators receive specialized training on handling sensitive topics and providing information on support services.

Measuring Sensitive Experiences: Since sexual harassment is a deeply personal and sensitive issue, the study uses advanced survey techniques developed for confidential and sensitive topics. These methods ensure that participants privacy is fully protected while enabling them to respond openly. To strengthen confidentiality, a randomized response component is applied to a small portion of answers, guaranteeing that no individuals responses can be identified while maintaining the overall accuracy of the findings. Our study adheres to the highest ethical standards to safeguard participants dignity and well-being.

Data Analysis: Quantitative data will be analyzed using advanced statistical techniques, including multivariate regression, to explore relationships between workplace sexual harassment, employee well-being, and workplace conditions. Since sexual harassment in the workplace is complex and often underreported, findings from the survey will be triangulated with:

• Qualitative research (focus groups and stakeholder consultations)
• Social media analysis of public discussions on such issues

Such an integrated approach will ensure a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of sexual harassment in the workplace in Mauritius tourism sector.

Project Timeline

The project is implemented over a two-year period (July 2025 – December 2026). The timeline below outlines the sequencing of objectives, activities, and key deliverables.

• June - December 2025: Recruitment of postdoctoral fellows and survey consultant
• January 2026: Official project launch
• June 2025-June 2026: Desk review, social media analysis, and survey design
• January-June 2026: Survey implementation and focus group discussions
• July-December 2026: Data analysis, conference organization, and dissemination of findings

Conference for Dissemination

A two-day international conference on Gender-Based Violence and Tourism is being organized in collaboration with the International Consortium for Social Development. This conference is providing an interdisciplinary forum for attendees from academia, industry, government, NGOs, and community groups to explore the complex issue of GBV and sexual harassment in the tourism sector.

The conference is featuring keynote addresses, research presentations, and roundtable discussions where participants are deepening their understanding, sharing best practices, and developing actionable strategies to combat GBV. Interested conference presenters are being invited to submit their full papers for peer-reviewed publication consideration in selected journals or book series.

References