Despite progress, gender disparities remain significant, with full parity still over a century away. Corruption exacerbates these inequalities by disproportionately affecting women and marginalised groups, limiting access to essential services, economic opportunities, and political representation. Yet, many anti-corruption efforts lack a gendered perspective, and feminist movements have not always recognised corruption as a structural barrier to equality. Addressing these gaps is crucial for creating inclusive and effective anti-corruption strategies.

This event positions anti-corruption as a feminist cause, examining gendered forms of corruption, including sexual corruption, and how corruption restricts women’s access to leadership, services, and justice. It will highlight feminist, gender-transformative approaches and explore how policies, international frameworks, and grassroots movements can drive change. Bringing together researchers, policymakers, and advocates, the discussion will advance strategies that not only combat corruption but also promote gender equality and social justice.

This is a session at the 69th NGO Committee on the Status for Women Forum. Organisers: Sida / U4 / UNCAC Coalition /Transparency International / Uppsala Knowledge Hub on Sexual Corruption / Global Fund for Women.

Keynote speaker
Prof. Elin Bjarnegård – Uppsala University, Sweden

Moderator
Monica Kirya – Deputy Director, U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre

Friday 21 March 2025
Online – Zoom

8.30–10.30 EST (New York, USA)

15.30–17.30 EAT (Nairobi, Kenya)

13.30–15.30 CET (Stockholm, Sweden)

Session 1: Plenary presentation & discussion (45 min)

🔹 Welcome
Fredrika Ornbrant – Deputy Head of Department for UN policies, conflict and migration, Swedish MFA

🔹 Corruption and gender: main issues and priorities (keynote)
Prof. Elin Bjarnegård – Uppsala University, Sweden

🔹 Open discussion & Q&A

🕐 5-minute transition to breakout sessions

Session 2: Breakout group discussions (40 min)

💬 Room 1: Sexual corruption – The overlooked form of corruption
Åsa Eldén – Uppsala University, Sweden
Mais Katt – The Syria Institute of Peace and Conflict

💬 Room 2: Women in leadership & anti-corruption
Ortrun Merkle – UNU-Merit and Maastricht University, The Netherlands
Matthew Gichohi – Chr. Michelsen Institute, Norway

💬 Room 3: Everyday corruption & its gendered impact
Annie Healion – Transparency International, Germany
Kristy Kelly – Drexel University, USA

🕐 5-minute transition back to plenary

Session 3: Reflections and insights (30 min)

🔹 Re-thinking anti-corruption frameworks from a feminist, gender-transformative perspective
Sofia Peters – Global Fund for Women, Colombia
Viktoria von Knobloch – BMZ, Germany

🔹 Open discussion & Q&A

🔹 Closing remarks
Laura Nyirinkindi – UN HRC Working Group, USA

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