GENDER AND CORRUPTION: International frameworks, challenges, and pathways for inclusive governance¹

This chapter examines international approaches to addressing the intersection of gender and corruption, emphasizing the role of gender-sensitive frameworks in anti-corruption efforts. The analysis covers both legal and organizational strategies employed by global institutions, such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, as well as non-governmental organizations. Gender-focused anti-corruption initiatives have gained traction as evidence suggests that corruption affects women disproportionately, particularly through practices like sexual corruption and economic exploitation. The chapter critically assesses the limitations of relying solely on increasing female representation in governance, arguing that such efforts require robust institutional support and broader structural reforms to dismantle deeply rooted corruption networks. This chapter highlights the nuanced relationship between gender inclusion and corruption reduction, while also addressing the challenges posed by political resistance, procedural barriers, selective enforcement, or funding dependencies. The chapter concludes by advocating for future directions, including context-sensitive, locally adapted reforms, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and systematic impact assessments to realize the potential of gender-sensitive anti-corruption strategies.