Tashkent, Uzbekistan — New research supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has highlighted the relationship between gender inequality and corruption, calling for more inclusive and gender-sensitive reforms to strengthen anti-corruption efforts in the country.
The study, titled “Gender and Corruption in Uzbekistan: Towards Transformational Change,” was presented during a roundtable held on 25 May 2026, bringing together government officials, civil society representatives, academics, media, and international partners. It was conducted in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Agency and funded by the European Union.
Based on surveys, focus group discussions, and legal analysis, the research examined how corruption is perceived and experienced across different social groups. It found that informal practices and traditional norms play a significant role in shaping public attitudes toward corruption, with nearly 70 percent of respondents linking practices such as gift-giving and social obligations to corrupt behavior.
The findings also showed that certain sectors, particularly healthcare and education, are seen as areas where women are especially vulnerable to corruption-related risks. Over half of respondents identified healthcare as the most affected sector, highlighting concerns related to caregiving responsibilities and access to essential services.
The report further pointed to concerns about sexual extortion as a form of gender-related corruption, noting that fear, stigma and limited legal awareness prevent many victims from reporting such cases. It emphasized the need for safer and more accessible reporting mechanisms and stronger legal protections.
While Uzbekistan’s anti-corruption legal framework was found to broadly align with international standards, the study concluded that gender-sensitive approaches remain insufficiently integrated into policy and enforcement practices.
The research recommends strengthening coordination between anti-corruption and gender equality institutions, improving public awareness, expanding women’s economic opportunities, and formally recognizing gender-based forms of corruption within legal systems. It also calls for broader reforms to address social norms that contribute to corruption and limit accountability.
The findings are intended to support Uzbekistan’s ongoing governance reforms and promote more inclusive approaches to transparency and accountability.
