Breaking the Silence: Women Speak Out on Corruption

At a recent event hosted by the African Women Against Corruption Network (AWACN), young women came together to discuss a pressing yet often overlooked issue—corruption, particularly in male-dominated industries. Among the powerful voices was Nonkululeko Radise, a civil engineer who courageously shared her story about navigating an industry filled with corruption and abuse of power. "It’s not just about bribes or kickbacks; sometimes it’s about losing your dignity just to keep your job," Nonkululeko explained to a captivated audience. Her experience, like that of many others, revealed the complex and hidden ways in which corruption specifically targets women. For many, it’s not just about money exchanging hands; it’s about facing pressures that threaten their safety, personal boundaries, and dignity.

The discussion wasn’t just about financial misconduct. Corruption can manifest as sexual exploitation, coercion, or manipulation. Women in male-dominated fields are often put in situations where they are forced to compromise their values, their health, and their bodies in order to survive in systems rigged against them. AWACN, founded in 2021 by Zakhona Mvelase, has been at the forefront of addressing these gendered forms of corruption. They combat any form of corruption that affects African women and girls. Whether it’s coercion for sexual favors, exploitation in exchange for basic services, or manipulation in education systems, AWACN is committed to shining a light on these hidden realities.

Nonkululeko’s words echoed this mission. "The sad truth," she shared, "is that women are more vulnerable to this kind of exploitation because we face unique barriers in male-dominated spaces." For many women, corruption isn't just an abstract concept—it’s a direct assault on their dignity, leaving them with little choice but to comply or lose critical opportunities. AWACN’s work highlights this harsh reality: the typical conception of corruption—money under the table or goods in exchange for favors—doesn’t capture the full picture. African women and girls face coercion, exploitation, and abuse in ways often invisible to those not paying attention.

From “sex for grades” in schools to exploitation in industries like civil engineering, the corruption that women experience is deeply intertwined with power imbalances that rob them of opportunities and safety. A key part of this issue is how women perceive corruption differently than men. For women, it’s not just about money—it’s about threats to their health, safety, and dignity. AWACN recognises these experiences are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of systemic abuse of power that disproportionately affects women across Africa. AWACN’s platform gives women like Nonkululeko the opportunity to speak out and share their experiences, breaking the silence around gendered corruption. In doing so, they are advancing a more inclusive anti-corruption agenda that directly addresses the specific challenges women face in these environments. One of AWACN’s key goals is to encourage women to take action.

The event itself was a reminder that women have the power, resilience, and determination to push back against corruption, no matter how deeply embedded it may be. "Together, we are stronger," Nonkululeko said, emphasizing the importance of collective action. As more women step forward, the conversation around corruption will continue to evolve. It’s not just about financial transactions—it’s about human rights, dignity, and the right to live without fear of exploitation. AWACN’s work is a critical part of ensuring that women are no longer left behind in the fight against corruption. "Corruption thrives in silence, but when we speak up, we weaken its hold," a speaker remarked. Events like these are crucial, providing platforms for women to raise their voices, share their stories, and demand change. "We can’t fight what we don’t talk about. These conversations are just the beginning," another participant added.

AWACN’s efforts are drivingmuch-needed change by focusing on how corruption uniquely impacts African women. They are paving the way for a future where women no longer have to face invisible barriers in male-dominated industries or in their communities. The fight against corruption is far from over, but with organisations like AWACN leading the charge, there’s hope that women will no longer be forced to bear the highest cost. With courage, solidarity, and continued conversation, we can build a future where every woman can thrive without fear of exploitation. As Nonkululeko powerfully said at the event, "We are not just victims of corruption—we are warriors against it. And together, we will win."

One of AWACN’s key goals is to not only highlight the issue but also to encourage women to take action. The event itself was a powerful reminder that women have the strength and resilience to fight back against corruption, no matter how entrenched it may be. By empowering women to share their stories, AWACN isfostering a sense of solidarity and collective action among women who have been affected by corrupt practices in their workplaces and communities. As more women like Nonkululeko step forward, the conversation around corruption will continue to evolve. It’s not just about financial transactions or backdoor deals—it’s about human rights, dignity, and the right to live and work without fear of exploitation. AWACN’s work is a critical part of ensuring that women are not left behind in the fight against corruption.

In a world where corruption often thrives in silence, events like these conversations are crucial. They provide a platform for women to raise their voices, share their stories, and demand the change that is so desperately needed. Together, we can build a future where women no longer have to face the invisible barriers created by corruption, and where they can thrive in their careers and communities without fear of exploitation.