Gender equality as an Anti-Corruption Tool: Prospects for Good Governancein Nigeria

Abstract

Studies indicate that gender equality and corruption are negatively
correlated. The reason for this negative correlation has been
attributed to two main factors – ‘fairer-sex’ and ‘fairer-system’.
Though the aforementioned factors appear opposed to one
another, it has been suggested that gender equality represents a
tool for combating corruption and instituting good governance.
This paper draws on secondary data from various empirical
studies (including Transparency International Corruption
Perception Index, World Values Survey, Business Enterprise
Survey and Afrobarometer Survey) to establish the correlation
between gender equality in leadership and perceptions of
corruption in various jurisdictions including Nigeria. Based on
the data presented, the paper consequently argues that whilst a
numerical increase female presence in leadership may result in the
achievement of gender equality in Nigeria, true equality must go

beyond numbers if it is to be used as a pre-emptive anti-
corruption tool.