Female politicians target of social media attacks in Kenya
Source: Newsday
A study by the United Nations on the issue of social media as implements of violence against women in elections estimated that 95% of aggressive behaviour, harassment, abusive language and denigrating images in online spaces are aimed at women.
It revealed that during the post-election violence in Kenya in 2008 to 2009, persons that were tribalistic and politically partisan used social media to send messages to female politicians, threatening bodily harm, rape and even death.
“By breaking into a traditionally masculine field that is frequently associated with rough behaviour and corruption, women are exposed to sexualised and, or morally degrading criticism. Derogatory accusations of being a prostitute, a lesbian or otherwise sinful and, or sexually deviant are commonly levelled against women running for office in many countries,” the UN journal said.
Click here to read the full article published by Newsday on 26 June 2018.
A study by the United Nations on the issue of social media as implements of violence against women in elections estimated that 95% of aggressive behaviour, harassment, abusive language and denigrating images in online spaces are aimed at women.
It revealed that during the post-election violence in Kenya in 2008 to 2009, persons that were tribalistic and politically partisan used social media to send messages to female politicians, threatening bodily harm, rape and even death.
“By breaking into a traditionally masculine field that is frequently associated with rough behaviour and corruption, women are exposed to sexualised and, or morally degrading criticism. Derogatory accusations of being a prostitute, a lesbian or otherwise sinful and, or sexually deviant are commonly levelled against women running for office in many countries,” the UN journal said.
Click here to read the full article published by Newsday on 26 June 2018.