Gender inequality is a reason for widespread corruption in the society - FICAC Deputy Commissioner

Gender inequality has been a direct cause of rampant corruption in the society.

While highlighting this during the launch of the Women’s Anti-Corruption Toolkit at Holiday Inn, FICAC Deputy Commissioner Rashmi Aslam says women in business are not immune to the effects of corruption but in fact, they may be perceived as weaker or even more vulnerable when it comes to bargaining with corrupt officials.

Aslam says informal payments and other types of favours, including sexual favours, solicited by corrupt public officials perpetuate far more serious repercussions particularly to women entrepreneurs than their male counterparts.

He says now is the time to take urgent and meaningful action to empower women entrepreneurs and build resilience to fight corruption.

The Deputy Commissioner adds that FICAC will continue to support, provide training and awareness programs to women entrepreneurs in the Micro, Small and Medium Business to ensure that corrupt practices are eradicated.

Meanwhile, UNDP Anti-Corruption Adviser, Sonja Stefanovska-Trajanoska says in Fiji only about 12%  of the complaints are from females while 88% are from males.