Violence Against Women in Politics

Throughout its history, Pakistan has grappled with enduring patriarchal norms and cultural customs that confine women to the domestic sphere, obstructing their engagement in broader societal roles. These malpractices have translated into systemic impediments that create a challenging environment for women seeking to enter the political arena. These experiences are further exacerbated based on their identities, amplifying the challenges women face in their pursuit of political participation in Pakistan.

UNITED NATIONS 25 September 2024 (IDN) — The first eight months of 2024—described as a “super election year”—have seen limited progress in women’s representation in parliaments worldwide.

or Zoe Lefkofridi, a professor of politics and gender at the University of Salzburg in Austria, there cannot be real democracy without gender equality.  But past progress cannot be taken for granted. Despite significant steps in Europe towards gender equality, opposition seems to be on the rise.

“The EU has been a pioneer in promoting women’s rights, especially concerning employment,” said Lefkofridi. “However, we’re observing worrisome developments in certain EU countries, as well as the US.”

Afghan women earned the right to vote more than a century ago. Today, under Taliban rule, they are practically erased from public life and even banned from singing. 

These were just some of the chilling observations and testimony from Afghan women, together with supporters from around the world, who convened at UN Headquarters on Monday to discuss inclusion and women’s rights going forward.

Online threats of death, rape, and physical violence against women in politics and public life have become alarmingly common, and the rise of artificial intelligence may further intensify the scale and reach of such online abuse, UN Women says in an explainer for the the International Day of

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 29, 2024, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, expressed concern over the persistent harassment, discrimination, and violence directed at female politicians, candidates, and activists.

The Ministry noted that recent reports indicate that women in politics are subjected to high levels of verbal abuse, threats, and cyberbullying, impacting both their personal lives and professional reputations.