Violence Against Women in Politics

Gender has become one of the defining political battlegrounds of our time.

There are phrases born from the deepest pain that end up changing history.

Like most households, mine has a morning routine.

As we wait for our baby to wake, my partner makes me a coffee and I open an app designed to shield me from the worst of the internet. It has become as routine as checking my emails.

Online trolling and harassment are increasingly affecting how women participate in politics in Namibia, with some politicians saying the abuse has led to self-censorship, anxiety and reduced engagement on public platforms.

In the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, a disturbing form of synthetic media has emerged as one of the most potent tools of intimidation and character assassination: sexual deepfakes.

While victims include anonymous women and girls, those with a public profile are particularly exposed to the danger of deepfakes. Campaigners and experts say the images are designed not only to humiliate them, but to push them out of public debate.

Catherine Juvinao Clavijo is a Colombian congresswoman, journalist, and civic activist currently serving as Representative to the Chamber for Bogotá with the Alianza Verde party.