Gender Analysis and Integration Strategy

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Management Systems International (MSI), a Tetra Tech Company, the program seeks to empower public institutions to fight corruption, increase citizen engagement in anti-corruption activities, and lower tolerance to corruption in society at large. During the first year of implementation, SACCI conducted a baseline study to assess the impact of corruption on women, men, and vulnerable groups. The study aimed to identify inequalities in terms of gender and vulnerability and guide SACCI in developing interventions that are sensitive to these inequalities and more effectively empower women and vulnerable groups, and engage them in anti-corruption activities. The methodology of the analysis included a literature review, an online survey of 33 anti-corruption and gender experts, analysis of recent national representative surveys, and in-depth interviews with 10 gender experts. The analysis was conducted in accordance with the USAID Gender Integration in Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG) Programming Tool, which examines gender and vulnerable group dynamics within the framework of corruption and anti-corruption. Key findings of the analysis include the following: the legal framework on anti-corruption is gender-blind and fails to address existing inequalities; women and vulnerable groups are largely underrepresented in anti-corruption authorities, decision and policy making structures, and accountability structures; and participation of vulnerable groups is even lower than that of women. The analysis also found that vulnerability to corruption is caused by gender, not by sex, and that more women than men indicate that areas such as healthcare, education, and public service provision are affected or heavily affected by corruption prevalence. Based on the findings of the analysis, specific suggested activities for gender integration were developed for every Expected Result (ER) of the SACCI project, along with cross-cutting recommendations that apply to SACCI's internal structure and management arrangements. The summary recommendations include promoting gender-sensitive anti-corruption legislation, building capacity of the government to mainstream gender and include vulnerable groups in anti-corruption reform, and ensuring that government anti-corruption communications are gender-sensitive and tailored to specific demographics. The SACCI program aims to address the root causes of corruption and promote a culture of transparency and accountability in Ukraine. By empowering public institutions, increasing citizen engagement, and lowering tolerance to corruption, the program seeks to create a more just and equitable society for all citizens, regardless of gender or vulnerability.