SEX FOR JOBS: A RISING PANDEMIC IN ESWATINI

MBABANE – Eswatini is facing a growing social crisis, where sexually exploitative practices are reportedly becoming common in recruitment and promotion processes, particularly affecting women.

This trend often referred to as ‘sex for jobs’, has become disturbingly prevalent across both public and private sectors, largely affecting unemployed and economically vulnerable women, including university graduates.

Complicit

A labour consultant, who has worked on related court cases, said the problem is not isolated and alleged that key government departments and major parastatals are complicit. “These institutions have become breeding grounds for perpetrators and in many cases, nothing is being done about it,” he explained.

According to the consultant, who requested to remain anonymous due to ongoing legal matters, numerous court cases have been opened, where individuals accuse hiring officers or managers of soliciting sexual favours in exchange for employment. He said the issue is embedded in structural corruption and worsened by the lack of enforcement of labour laws and ethical practices.

“In some of these institutions, it is an open secret. Senior officials offer jobs, contract renewals, or promotions in exchange for sex, yet these cases rarely make it to court, and when they do, convictions are rare due to weaker evidence, fear of reprisals, or poorly developed internal reporting mechanisms,” he added.

Protection

He also criticised both government and trade unions for not providing sufficient support or protection for victims. “The very institutions that should be protecting these young women, labour unions and the Ministry of Labour, are either too slow to act or silent altogether,” he said.

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