Sexual Corruption in Higher Education: Evidence from Ukraine

Sexual corruption is the abuse of public power for sexual gain. Based on qualitative data collected through focus groups and interviews, this article examines perceptions of sexual corruption in Ukrainian higher education. The data indicates gender differences in the manifestations of sexual corruption among victims and perpetrators. We find that sexual corruption is an issue for higher education institutions in Ukraine, but it’s almost not recognised as corruption issue. We also explore how Ukraine’s historical background and current challenges related to the Russian war impact anti-corruption efforts. Respondents noted that the prevalence of sexual corruption may vary depending on the corporate culture and anti-corruption policies of an educational institution or other organisation. Participants are convinced that human rights awareness has a positive impact on the reporting of sexual corruption instances and efforts to combat it. The data shows that internally displaced persons may be at greater risk of sexual corruption due to their vulnerable situation. We conclude with recommendations for combatting sexual corruption in Ukraine and other countries across the world.