Women are less likely to pay bribes but are more disadvantaged in corrupt systems.
Corruption is less severe where women comprise a larger share of parliamentary seats, a study by the IRIS Centre, University of Maryland reveals. The study concludes that higher rates of female participation in government are associated with lower levels of corruption. It is suggested that women may have higher standards of ethical behaviour and appear to be more concerned with the common good. In the light of this, a new all-female squad of uniformed patrols has been set up in Mexico last year in the hope of curbing corruption. Women in business seem less likely to pay bribes.