Corruption is highly patriarchal largely in part due to male patronage systems and
access to networks of power and influence which women lack.295 When resources
meant for services are misappropriated, the quality of services also deteriorates while
costs rise, affecting those who are economically constrained, particularly women and
children. Opportunistic corruption in conditions of hardship exposes vulnerable women
to opportunistic and exploitative practices at important service delivery points.
The Pillar of Corporate Governance
As described in the APRM Questionnaire, good corporation citizenship assumes
responsibility for the impact of its activities on the public by intentionally factoring in
public interest and people in decision-making. This standard guides the objectives of
the corporate governance which are; Promoting an Enabling Environment and
Effective Regulatory Framework for Business organisations and other entities;
Ensuring Effective Leadership and Accountability of Organisations Ensuring, Ethical
Conduct Within Organisations; Ensuring that Organisations Treat Stakeholders Fairly
and Equitably Ensuring that Organizations Act as Good Corporate Citizens.
Because this Pillar addresses corporate governance issues more narrowly than is
applicable to a gender and peacebuilding analysis, the section below raises issues
relating to the role of the private sector in general, it’s function in promoting economic
development in the reconstruction phase and areas of good corporate responsibility
relevant for peace building.
Priority Corporate Governance issues relating to gender and
peacebuilding
Assistance programmes for refugees are affected often by donor funding and thus
inherently time bound, given the circumstances of ever growing numbers of refugees
and asylum seekers. Prolonged displacement periods become unviable in the face of
limited funding, making it important for refugees and IDPs to obtain sustainable
livelihoods. In the economic reconstruction and recovery phase the role of the private
295
Sida Brief ‘Gender and Corruption’ March 2015
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