Corruption and Human Rights: A Gender Perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to stress the massive potential of a human rights’ approach to corruption, namely in what relates with the development of anti-corruption policies, programs and plans that aim, first and foremost, to protect the rights and interests of the victims of corrupt acts. In particular, adopting a gender perspective, we will investigate whether and how the phenomenon of corruption has special impacts on women and girls in certain contexts, thus representing an obstacle to the promotion of gender equality. Furthermore, we will explore the way in which gender itself – in its natural contingency and fluidity – may influence the phenomenon of corruption. We’ll end by arguing that the adoption of a gender perspective in studies dedicated to prevent and fight corruption can contribute to the development of a more effective anticorruption law, while granting that it is in line with the sustainable development goals.