Representing between 80 and 90% of the specific victims of political digital violence, which is also accentuated during campaign times, women choose to give up on their aspirations, seek re-election or abandon campaigns, stated the director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), Marcela Rios.
In her presentation of the study “Gender Political Violence in the Digital Sphere in Latin America” at the National Electoral Institute (INE), she explained that this violence is focused on women who want to compete, who seek to be candidates, who are already in contention, but it also extends to women who hold relevant positions in the State, in bodies and even journalists.
“In this study we detected various dynamics and forms of harassment: a sexualization of harassment, malicious use of women’s private information, often threats regarding families, children,” he said.
Many women, she continued, are forced to close their social media accounts to avoid harassment and persecution that can range from the most innocuous and general to becoming threats of physical violence and materializing as such.
Given this situation, Ríos said, it is important to advance legislation on the matter, as many countries have already done, but it has not been enough, which is why he called for proactive work by the media, digital platforms, of political parties and civil society.
“It is important that women do not face harassment, violence, harassment on social networks alone, isolated and having to be the victims who are in charge of solving the problem,” said the regional director of IDEA.
He explained that the study carried out by this organization included recommendations for parties, electoral bodies, congresses, women’s organizations, platforms and media.
“This is a systemic problem that has multiple causes and therefore, the number one priority and responsibility of the political authorities of all political authorities is to be able to avoid this type of harassment, harassment of women on social networks.
“We say it is important to legislate, it is important that there are complaint mechanisms, but it is not enough to have legal complaint mechanisms and a mechanism to be able to address this through jurisdictional bodies,” he indicated.
He emphasized that preventive work is essential and that political parties assume a much more proactive role, since throughout Latin America it is common for political party leaders to be the ones who attack their own party colleagues or ignore attacks.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Marcela Rios
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, Marcela. It’s a pleasure to have you here today to discuss such an important issue. Your recent report on gender political violence in the digital sphere in Latin America has raised significant concerns. Can you start by summarizing the main findings of your study?
Marcela Rios: Thank you for having me. Our study, “Gender Political Violence in the Digital Sphere in Latin America,” reveals that women represent between 80 and 90% of specific victims of political digital violence. This violence escalates particularly during election campaigns, which deters many women from pursuing their political aspirations, whether that’s seeking re-election or even running for office for the first time.
Editor: That’s a staggering statistic. Can you elaborate on the types of harassment these women face online?
Marcela Rios: Absolutely. The violence encompasses various dynamics, including the sexualization of harassment and the malicious use of private information. We’ve noted that threats often extend to their families and children, heightening the intimidation factor. Such actions create an unsafe environment for women who are active in politics, whether they are candidates or already serving in relevant governmental positions.
Editor: It sounds incredibly distressing. How does this digital violence impact women’s participation in politics?
Marcela Rios: The implications are profound. Many women feel compelled to abandon their political ambitions or close their social media accounts to shield themselves from harassment. This ultimately perpetuates a cycle of underrepresentation, as the fear of aggression and violence inhibits women’s voices in political discourse.
Editor: What can be done to address this issue? Are there specific strategies or measures that could help mitigate the risks for women in politics?
Marcela Rios: Addressing this violence requires a multi-faceted approach. First, there needs to be greater awareness and recognition of the issue at both societal and institutional levels. Secondly, legal frameworks must evolve to provide justice for victims. We can also advocate for digital safety measures, better reporting systems, and support networks for affected women. The media can play a critical role in this by promoting positive narratives around women in politics.
Editor: Those sound like actionable steps. What role do you see social media companies playing in addressing gender-based violence online?
Marcela Rios: Social media companies have a significant responsibility to create safer online environments. This includes implementing stricter policies against harassment, providing better tools for reporting abusive behaviour, and actively monitoring harmful content. Their algorithms should prioritize the safety of users, particularly women who are more frequently targeted by online violence.
Editor: In light of these findings, what is your hope for the future of women in politics in Latin America?
Marcela Rios: My hope is that we will see a shift towards a more inclusive political landscape. It’s essential that women feel safe and empowered to participate fully in politics. By addressing digital violence and fostering a culture that respects and values women’s contributions, we can work toward a more equitable and representative political system.
Editor: Thank you, Marcela, for sharing your insights and shedding light on such an important issue. Your work is vital in paving the way for progress in gender equality in political representation.
Marcela Rios: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues. It’s important that we continue to advocate for women’s rights and ensure their voices are heard in all spheres of society.