Gender and Corruption: Insights from Nigeria Democracy (1999 – 2008)

Abstract

Corruption is one of the destructive banes behind the underdevelopment of the Nigerian society. The abuse of positions and privileges has become features of Nigeria’s economic and political landscape. The coming of a democratic regime with all resources and policy in place to curb this scourge has produced no positive result. This paper is designed to increase understanding and offer suggestions with regard to improving gender sensitiveness in the implementation of anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria. The first part of the paper reviews literatures that identifies the link between higher levels of women in governance and public administration in Nigeria on one hand, and lower level of corruption on the other hand and discuss implication of such findings. The paper takes note of the fact that in Nigeria, there have been few cases of women occupying political positions, who have been found to be corrupt. The second part identifies and discusses the link between the high levels of corruption and gender inequality. The third part discuss and address gender sensitive policy options that might be
recommended to Nigeria when designing anti-corruption strategies and
action plans, or might otherwise be employed to facilitate gender awareness in the area of corruption.