Violence against women in politics is not an exception: It is an everyday reality. From sexist insults online to physical intimidation in public spaces, women in political life face hostility that directly targets them because of their gender. Women of colour face an even harsher reality, enduring both racist and sexist attacks.
At the same time, women in politics serve as important role models, showing younger generations that political leadership offers a possible career path for them. As researchers studying women’s political representation, we were struck by a troubling question: Who still dares to enter politics if violence is the price women have to pay?
When online hate tells women they don’t belong in politics
The problem is not abstract. In the Netherlands, one in ten tweets directed at women politicians contains hate or aggression, with women of colour receiving the most abuse. Men in politics face hostility too, but the abuse directed at women is different in tone and focus: Rather than critiquing political positions, it undermines women’s legitimacy to participate in politics at all.
Violence does not only affect those who are already in office. Young women who might consider a political career shape their decision to enter politics or not in a context of violence. Violence against women in politics sends a clear warning signal: If you step into the public arena, you may be met not with debate, but with hate.
Violence is a significant barrier to political participation
To understand if violence deters young women, we conducted seven online focus groups. We spoke with 37 women between the ages of 18 and 35 who were considering entering politics. Participants were recruited through ‘Vote for a Woman’ and ‘Alliance Politica’, organisations advocating for women’s political representation. We took an intersectional perspective by setting up separate focus groups of women with and without migration backgrounds.
What they told us was striking. Many young women see violence as a significant obstacle to entering politics. They are discouraged by witnessing aggression directed at women in politics. Some feel disheartened by observing violence against their role model, though others are inspired by their resilience in the face of it. Overall, young women see violence as an important barrier that makes them hesitate to embark on a political career. Worries extend to partners and family members, who may be targeted by extension.
The hidden toll: How fear limits women’s visibility
Violence does not only discourage young women from entering politics; it also affects how they want to be politically active. Anticipating violence, young women instead opt for political careers ‘behind the scenes’ or shield their social media presence. However, many young women see downsides of such measures. Less visibility reduces vulnerability but limits their ability to build a political profile and engage with constituents.
Looking through an intersectional lens reveals both common patterns and sharp difference
Women of colour anticipate a ‘double load’ of violence. They worry about visibility in relation to both gendered and racialised markers of difference.
Democracy’s quiet loss: When violence drives women out of politics
If violence is the price women have to pay, fewer women see themselves in politics. These are worrying results. They point to a vicious cycle: As young women withdraw or opt for low-visibility roles, the pool of role models shrinks, potentially again limiting images of who belongs in politics and discouraging future generations of women – particularly women of colour. This erosion of representation weakens democracy itself. Breaking this cycle is not only about protecting individuals; it is a prerequisite for inclusive and democratic representation, now and in the future.
Judith C. de Jong is a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of Amsterdam. Her PhD research focused on how citizens with a migration background assess political representation in the Netherlands, Germany and France.
Zahra Runderkamp obtained her PhD in political science from the University of Amsterdam. Her research focuses on the political representation of gender and ethnicity in Dutch politics.
Who still wants to enter politics? Intersectional perspectives of young women aspirants on violence against politicians by Judith C. de Jong and Zahra Runderkamp is available to read open access in the European Journal of Politics and Gender on Bristol University Press Digital.
Bristol University Press/Policy Press newsletter subscribers receive a 25% discount – sign up here.
Follow Transforming Society so we can let you know when new articles publish.
The views and opinions expressed on this blog site are solely those of the original blog post authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the Policy Press and/or any/all contributors to this site.
Image credit: Ian via Unsplash