They said women are the worst victims of corruption as they also face social, cultural, political, religious and institutional discrimination.

They also called on women of all sections of society to be united and raise voice against all forms of discrimination as well as corruption in order to ensure their empowerment.

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) organised the roundtable on 'Corruption and women: Experiences in professional life and the way out' at the BIAM auditorium in the city to mark the International Women's Day.

Noted litterateur Selina Hossain presented a keynote paper at the roundtable presided over by Dr Hamida Hossain.

Selina Hossain said women are marginalised in a male-dominated society and that is why they face more repression in a corruption-ridden society.

If corruption engulfs the process of women's empowerment, then not only women but also the entire society suffers a lot, she said.

She also said some women at the top level are also caught up in corruption.

Selina said the government has to take bold decision about women's empowerment and create environment for implementing the decisions.

Only then women can get the opportunity to work in a corruption-free environment and keep them away from corruption, she added.

Khushi Kabir, executive director of Nijera Kori, said women have to take part in politics more and more so that they can contribute to policy-making decisions for the welfare of women.

Fundamentalism, the lack of democracy and corruption are main obstacles to ensuring women's empowerment in the country, she said.

Angela Gomez, executive director of Banchte Shekha, called on women to come forward along with men in every sector to combat corruption.

Executive Director of Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights Elina Khan, Team Leader of Manusher Jonno Shaheen Anam, Anannya Editor Tasmima Hossain, woman leader Maleka Begum, journalist Baby Moudud, Barrister Tania Amir, Dhaka University teacher Meghna Guha Thakurata, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzam and film director Shamim Akhtar also spoke at the roundtable.