10 Days of Activism against Violence Against Women in Politics
Everyone deserves to participate in politics and hold public office without fear or violence. Yet, for many women in politics, that right is undermined daily, not only through online harassment, cyberstalking, and non-consensual image sharing, but also through the use of gender-biased language, especially in the media. These words reinforce stereotypes, diminish women’s credibility, and contribute to a culture that normalizes violence and silencing.
As part of the 7th annual 10 Days of Activism against Violence Against Women in Politics, IRIAD—The Electoral Hub joins the Women’s Democracy Network (WDN) and advocates worldwide in calling attention to technology-facilitated violence that limits women’s participation in political life.
Why do we raise our voice?
Because democracy can not thrive when women are bullied out of public spaces. Our commitment to evidence-based advocacy, inclusive governance, and equitable political participation demands that we speak up for safe, respectful, and enabling environments where women lead boldly and without fear.
This June, we will highlight the issues, amplify solutions, and push for lasting reform to end tech-facilitated VAWP.
Join us to take action!
Tech-facilitated violence against women in politics (VAWP) is a threat to democracy, civic participation, and human dignity.
At IRIAD-THE Electoral Hub, we believe democracy thrives only when every voice is safe and heard. Let us uphold digital spaces where women can lead without fear.
It is time to #EndVAWP and #TakeItDown.
Tackling Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP), especially in its digital forms, requires more than awareness. It demands systemic solutions grounded in justice, innovation, and collaboration.
At IRIAD—The Electoral Hub, we believe in a future where women can lead without fear. Ending VAWP means:
– Strengthening legal frameworks, including media accountability
– Designing safer tech platforms
– Ensuring justice and support for survivors
– Building strong alliances across sectors
Let us act together to #EndVAWP and #TakeItDown for safer political spaces, inclusive governance, and lasting democratic progress.
Preventing tech-facilitated Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP) is not just ideal, it is essential. While reactive efforts such as content takedowns and legal responses are important, they often come too late, after damage to a woman’s dignity, safety, or political ambition has already been done.
At IRIAD—The Electoral Hub, we affirm that to truly tackle VAWP in Nigeria and beyond, we must shift our focus from reactionary measures to prevention.
@wdn_africa
When women in politics face violence, whether physical, psychological, or digital, it does not just silence their voices. It threatens their livelihoods, hinders progress, and creates ripple effects that weaken families, institutions, and national development.
At IRIAD—The Electoral Hub, we acknowledge that safety and economic empowerment are deeply intertwined. When women lead without fear, they contribute more fully to decision-making, innovation, and inclusive development.
Violence Against Women in Politics is not always visible—but it is deeply damaging.
Psychological violence, including threats, insults, intimidation, and character assassination, is one of the most pervasive forms of abuse that women in politics and public office face.
At IRIAD—The Electoral Hub, we believe that psychological violence is political violence. Leadership should never come at the cost of personal dignity, mental well-being, or physical safety. This form of abuse is designed to isolate, degrade, and ultimately push women out of politics. It is meant to silence.
Today, we call for:
– Policies that criminalize psychological abuse in political spaces
– Protection for women who speak out
– Zero tolerance for institutions that enable or excuse the silencing of women
Globally, violence against women is estimated to cost over $1.5 trillion annually, and this includes the unseen toll of political violence that keeps women out of decision-making spaces. From missed workdays and lost income to the strain on health services, legal systems, and institutional capacity, the ripple effects of VAWP come at a steep price.
At IRIAD—The Electoral Hub, we emphasize that ensuring women’s full and safe participation in politics is not just a human rights issue, it is an economic imperative. Every woman excluded from politics is a lost opportunity for growth, governance, and nation-building.
In a significant stride for gender justice, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) recently adopted a landmark convention to end violence against women and girls (VAWG), laying the foundation for stronger protections and institutional support across Africa
At IRIAD—The Electoral Hub, we affirm that legal frameworks must not only be adopted but also effectively implemented and adequately funded. Advocacy must translate into accountability.
Turning regional commitments into actionable, enforceable policies is essential to creating inclusive political spaces where women can lead without fear or intimidation. The time to move from pledges to progress is now!
At IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, we know the work does not end with awareness. We are committed to pushing for policies, platforms, and institutions that prioritize safety, justice, and equitable participation in political life.
Women in politics deserve more than protection, they deserve power, visibility, and full inclusion in decision-making spaces without the fear of harassment, intimidation, or attack.
Let us build cross-sector partnerships, elevate survivor voices, and move from advocacy to accountability.
The future of democracy depends on it.
