Gender

Corruption restricts women’s participation in public, economic and political life, limiting their influence over decision-making.

Sexual corruption severely undermines public integrity and human rights yet remains largely invisible in law and policy. Brazil's efforts to criminalise this abuse of power offers valuable lessons for other countries exploring this path.

Case studies from Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Sweden show that legal recognition is vital – and that legislation must address power imbalances and avoid criminalising the victims.

We propose a new definition of sexual corruption – focusing on the abuse of power by those entrusted with it, and broad enough to address every form of sexual corruption.