Preventing and responding to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment: new good practice handbook
Introduction
Since 2019, the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation and Swedfund have been working together to strengthen Swedfund's ability to identify, prevent and respond to risks of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) in its investment portfolio and operations. One key result in this partnership is the publication of the Good Practice Handbook on the Prevention of and Response to SEAH, a practical guide to help fund managers, investment platforms and financial institutions address SEAH risks.
The Handbook is focused on investment- but several of the tools it provides can be used by companies and other organisations, in supply chain management
A growing need for action
SEAH remain widespread in offices, investment portfolios and supply chains. The consequences are severe - not only for the individuals involved but also for workplaces and local communities. Financial actors are increasingly expected to integrate SEAH risk management into their due diligence, risk assessments and overall investment strategies.
This partnership shows the value of joining forces to find concrete solutions and ways to invest for change and take concrete action to improve women’s rights, safety and economic opportunities. Based on our combined knowledge we have developed tools and approaches that can help any organisation or company wanting to respond to and prevent sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
- Petra Tötterman Andorff, Secretary General, The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation.
The Good Practice Handbook provides a structured approach to SEAH risk management, offering:
- Guidance on risk assessment—how to identify and mitigate SEAH risks in investments.
- Tools for due diligence—including screening questions, monitoring frameworks, and site visit guidelines.
- Best practices for prevention and response—aligning with international frameworks such as the UNGPs, ILO C190, and IFC Performance Standards.
We hope this handbook inspires and supports financial actors to take meaningful action around prevention and response to ensure their investments and operations contribute to workplaces and communities free from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
- Amanda Koppang Willfors, Associate Senior Impact Manager at Swedfund
Towards safer investments
While not a comprehensive tool for all aspects of gender equality, the Handbook serves as a practical resource to inspire action and promote investment practices that contribute to safe and inclusive workplaces, both within portfolio companies and in their interactions with clients and communities.
Download the Handbook