Call for Research Consultants on Sexual abuse of women at KICTANet

Call for Research Consultants on Sexual abuse of women

Terms of Reference for Consultants: Research on the Lived Experiences of Survivors of Image-based Sexual Abuse, Tech-facilitated Sex Trafficking, and Sexual Extortion and Coercion

KICTANet, in partnership with Equality Now, is conducting research on the lived experiences of survivors of image-based sexual abuse, tech-facilitated sex trafficking, and sexual extortion and coercion. The research will provide details of the experiences of diverse women and girls affected by these forms of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation abuse (TFSEA) and an analysis of the opportunities for improvement or change, challenges, and/or hurdles they face when seeking legal remedies.

This initiative will assist in understanding how TFSEA is manifesting in the Kenyan context, including the implementation of laws through the criminal justice system – by the law enforcement institutions (National Police Service as well as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions) and judicial officers, and the opportunities, challenges, and gaps in accessing legal remedies. The overall report will provide an analysis of the key opportunities, gaps, and challenges, informed by the experiences of women and girls affected by TFSEA in Kenya. It will also make recommendations for law and policy reform. The report will subsequently be disseminated to stakeholders working to end TFSEA including government departments, WROs, other CSOs, and tech companies.

KICTANet is looking for a lead researcher and two assistant researchers to conduct research on the lived experiences of survivors of image-based sexual abuse, tech-facilitated sex trafficking, and sexual extortion and coercion.

Objectives of the Consultancy

The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct research on the lived experiences of diverse women and girls who have survived image-based sexual abuse, tech-facilitated sex trafficking, and sexual extortion and coercion to help increase understanding of changes that are required under national and international laws and standards to end these forms of TFSEA.

Scope of Work

The consultant(s) will be responsible for the following tasks:

Literature Review and Conceptual Framework

Conduct a comprehensive literature review on existing research, reports, and studies related to image-based sexual abuse, tech-facilitated sex trafficking, and sexual extortion and coercion.
Develop a conceptual framework that guides the research, incorporating relevant theories and perspectives from gender studies, human rights, and technology studies.

Research Methodology

Design and implement a qualitative research methodology that effectively captures the lived experiences of survivors.
Employ appropriate data collection methods, such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participatory observation.
Ensure ethical considerations are adhered to throughout the research process, including obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and providing support services to participants.

Data Collection and Analysis

Recruit a diverse sample of women and girls who have experienced image-based sexual abuse, tech-facilitated sex trafficking, and sexual extortion and coercion.
Conduct interviews and focus groups with participants, exploring their experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms.
Analyze the collected data using thematic analysis or other appropriate methods to identify key themes and patterns.

Psychosocial Support

Conduct a needs assessment to identify the specific psychosocial support needs of research participants.
Collaborate with qualified mental health professionals, such as psychologists, counselors, and social workers, who have expertise in working with survivors of trauma such as image-based sexual abuse, tech-facilitated sex trafficking, and sexual extortion and coercion to provide a range of support services, including individual counseling, group therapy, peer support groups, and crisis intervention.

Key Areas of Investigation

Explore the various forms of image-based sexual abuse, tech-facilitated sex trafficking, and sexual extortion and coercion experienced by survivors.
Investigate the impact of these experiences on survivors’ mental health, physical well-being, social relationships, and economic stability.
Examine the role of technology in perpetuating and facilitating these forms of abuse.
Identify the challenges and barriers faced by survivors in accessing justice, support services, and protection.
Analyze the effectiveness of existing national and international laws and standards in addressing these forms of abuse.

Policy Recommendations

Develop evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen national and international laws and standards to prevent and respond to image-based sexual abuse, tech-facilitated sex trafficking, and sexual extortion and coercion.
Propose recommendations for improving access to justice, support services, and protection for survivors.
Suggest measures to address the role of technology in perpetuating these forms of abuse.
Identify areas for collaboration between governments, civil society organizations, and technology companies to address these issues.

Report Writing

Compile findings into a comprehensive research report that summarizes the key findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Validation Meeting

Collaborate with project stakeholders, including KICTANet and Equality Now and other relevant organizations, to validate findings and recommendations in a meeting hosted by KICTANet and Equality Now.

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

Produce a Report which provides the following:

A literature review on what is already known about survivor experiences of TFSEA in Kenya. The literature review will outline current common manifestations and forms of TFSEA and intersectional analysis on women and girls who are predominantly exposed to and affected.
At least 15 to 20 case studies and stories, mapping out survivor experiences of women and girls relating to the range of forms of TFSEA experienced. We expect that in the sample, there is a sizable number of cases of image-based sexual abuse, tech-facilitated sex trafficking, live streaming of sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual coercion and extortion.
Analysis of trends that can be seen from the case studies and stories, with a specific focus on any opportunities, challenges, or hurdles survivors face when seeking legal remedies. The analysis could consider opportunities in the law, challenges or hurdles that relate to things such as:

Reporting trends, for instance, how the reports are made? Or how cases were handled after reporting;
Effectiveness of investigation after reporting, including collection and storage of evidence;
Whether their cases were able to be prosecuted without undue delay, justly and impartially;
Were there any challenges with respect to the Jurisdiction of the Court?
Did they opt to report the incidence(s) through other bodies, such as quasi-judicial mechanisms (national commissions/ offices established with mandates that can promote access to justice) instead of the formal criminal system?

Methodology:

In drafting the Report, the consultant(s) shall take into account the following:

Incorporate intersectional feminist analysis. This includes considerations of women with disabilities, women from marginalized communities and the LGBTQI+ community, for instance.
When referring to legal and official text, use official government, UN, or regional sources (e.g. refer to text of laws and policy documents rather than secondary sources) in the original language and official translation if possible, and explain methodology if not.
Use reputable secondary sources such as the World Bank (see Women, Business and the Law reports/data), UN reports, and other highly reputable independent or academic institutions.

Timeline

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 3 months from the start date, with specific milestones for data collection, analysis, and report submission.

Qualifications

The ideal consultant(s) should possess the following qualifications:

Proven experience and knowledge working on and with survivors of tech-facilitated gender based violence.
Strong understanding of digital safety, legal and policy frameworks surrounding TFSEA
Excellent analytical and report-writing skills including the ability to effectively communicate complex research findings to diverse audiences.
Proven commitment to ethical research practices, including obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and providing support services to participants.