# Finding a voice, seeking justice: The barriers women face to reporting corruption in the European Union URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/finding-voice-seeking-justice-barriers-women-face-reporting-corruption-european-union Type: Publication or report Published: 2021-10-18 Updated: 2021-11-03 --- 18 October 2021 Global research on the linkages between gender and corruption reveals that women perceive and experience corruption differently from men. They are disproportionately affected by the impact of corruption on the quality and quantity of public services available to them; as primary carers of children and the elderly, women are more reliant on public services and more likely to be a victim of corruption when accessing services, such as health care or education. They are also particularly vulnerable to sexual extortion – or sextortion – where sex is the currency of the bribe. This violates human rights and dignity, and disproportionately targets women, with serious – sometimes life-changing – consequences. Yet, although they are more vulnerable to the impact of corruption, women are less likely than men to challenge corrupt practices, report corruption and access justice. There is limited evidence and data exploring the linkages between gender and corruption in the European Union (EU). In 2021, as part of the Global Corruption Barometer (GCB), Transparency International surveyed more than 40,000 people in the 27 EU countries on their perceptions and experiences of corruption. We also gather data from our Advocacy and Legal Advice Centres (ALACs), which provide free and confidential legal advice to witnesses and victims of corruption. This gender analysis of GCB and ALAC data provides unique insight into how women in the EU experience corruption in their daily lives and the challenges they face when they speak up against it. To address these challenges, the paper has recommendations for governments, anti-corruption practitioners and researchers. ### Related publications ## [Whistleblowing Authorities in Europe: Roles, challenges and lessons learned](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblowing-authorities-in-europe-roles-challenges-and-lessons-learned) Publication • 19 June 2026 This report examines the institutional design, mandates and functioning of national whistleblowing authorities across Europe. ## [Accelerating Action Against Criminal and Corrupt Wealth: Recommendations for the London Illicit Finance Summit](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/recommendations-london-illicit-finance-summit) Publication • 28 May 2026 This paper sets out recommendations on how governments participating in the UK Illicit Finance Summit can deliver credible and ambitious outcomes. ## [How effective is whistleblower protection in the EU? Trends, gaps and emerging practices across member states](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblower-protection-eu-trends-gaps-practices-member-states) Publication • 16 April 2026 EU whistleblower rules exist, but slow, uneven implementation leaves gaps in protection, enforcement, and support. ## [Policy Position 01/2005: Standards on political funding and favours](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/policy-position-01-2005-standards-on-political-funding-and-favours) Publication • 15 January 2005 ## Priorities - [Gender](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/gender-and-corruption) - [Whistleblowing](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/whistleblowing) ## GCB - [European Union](https://www.transparency.org/en/gcb/eu/european-union-2021) ## Regions - [European Union](https://www.transparency.org/en/region/european-union) ![Cover of paper showing woman with megaphone at a protest](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/GCB-gender-paper-cover.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2021_FindingVoiceSeekingJustice_PositionPaper_Eng.pdf)