REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Women played a strategic role in fight against corruption, Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Linda Amalia Sari Gumelar stated.

Empirical facts show that gender issues relate to corruption, particularly for those who have power. However, she beleieves that women is less likely to be involved in fighting against corruption.

"There is a popular belief that women are not as tough as men in fighting against corruption. That's why discussion on corruption is always considered as men's world," Gumelar said on Monday during Southeast Asia Regional Conference entitled "Women Fight Corruption".

She said that corruption as a serious crime as a fundamental problem in governmental institution and usually in line with power. She encouraged women to do a real act in fight against corruption. The regional conference, which is a part of International Women's Day celebration, is expected to raise awareness about issues and women role in fight against corruption. "I hope the conference can build a constructive discussion on corruption among the participants and encourage women to fight it," she said.