Opportunities and Challenges: Women’s Political Participation in the Digital Age

Context 

Digital technologies have reshaped the space for political discourse, opening new avenues for engagement, advocacy and knowledge-sharing. While these technologies have enhanced inclusion, participation and engagement of women in political processes, they also have implications on safety in the digital space for women in politics and particularly women from marginalized communities.

The rise in technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF GBV) is a case in point. Evidence highlights that TF GBV negatively impacts women in public life especially women in politics. According to a 2021 study of women in parliaments in Africa undertaken by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, 46 percent of women parliamentarians had been the target of sexist attacks online.[1]

TF GBV, considered a global problem, refers to any act that is committed, assisted, aggravated, or amplified by the use of information and communication technologies or other digital tools,  resulting in or likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological, social, political, or economic harm, or other infringements of rights and freedoms.[2] TF GBV disproportionately targets women political figures, especially women from marginalized communities, leading to self-censorship by women and in extreme cases limiting their public presence in digital spaces.[3] Tools like artificial intelligence have further complicated this evolving landscape, with its vast potential to spread and reinforce harmful gender stereotypes.[4]

At the same time, digital technologies can reform social structures and bridge the gender gap by providing greater access for women to engage in political and public life. This is especially significant for young women, who often face additional barriers to entering traditional political spaces. Social media has proved to be a powerful tool for women to express their political opinions, organize grassroots movements, and mobilize voters. It has provided transformative pathways for women, particularly from marginalized communities, to access political knowledge, build networks, and engage in online campaigns, thus amplifying their voices.

It is imperative to understand that digital technologies can both promote or inhibit women’s equal participation in public life, as well as in politics. Digital technologies are embedded in existing social structures, reflecting and amplifying existing realities. For the digital space to be truly inclusive, underlying social dynamics must evolve. Consequently, inclusivity in the digital space is linked to transforming social realities through healthy gender norms that are based on equality and equity, focusing on the principle of leaving no one behind.

While transformative change is a gradual process, effective policy level changes can prompt positive reinforcement of positive social norms. Therefore, it is essential to introduce legal frameworks supplemented by effective policy level changes to encourage more women, and especially women from underrepresented groups, to have equitable access to the digital spaces where their participation is welcomed.

Please join us in e-discussing the topic of ‘Opportunities and Challenges – Women’s Political Participation in the Digital Age’  based on the following key questions:

1. How can legal frameworks and policy level interventions support women’s safe and equitable access to the digital space, particularly for women in politics? Share examples from your local context. 

2. How can digital technologies be used to promote positive gender social norms and equality in political and public life, as well as in broader societal structures?

3. How can social media platforms be leveraged to inspire more women, especially young women, to become politically engaged, pursue political careers, and connect with experienced women leaders for mentorship and support?

4. How can men support and become active change makers to enable an accessible and safe digital space for women in politics? 

Please join the e-Discussion from 5 November to 30 November 2024 by answering one or more of the above questions. 

Women and men politicians, government representatives at all levels, civil society activists, academics, experts, practitioners and students are invited to contribute with their experiences by answering one or more of the above questions. Young women, members of the LGBTQI+ community, women with disabilities and persons with disabilities, members of indigenous communities, and members of ethnic and religious minorities are especially encouraged to respond. 

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