Political Impact
Key Insights
Patterns Identified
• Women in political and public roles are
• Gendered nature of attacks: Harassment
frequently targeted through widespread
campaigns of harassment and defamation.
• Survivors report feeling discouraged from
engaging in public discourse due to the
persistent threats and personal attacks.
• Women active in political or public discourse
are disproportionately targeted by digital
campaigns aimed at silencing them. This
deters participation and perpetuates gender
inequality in public decision-making.
Illustrative
Reflections
One participant recounted how a female
politician was publicly harassed online, with
attackers leveraging gendered stereotypes to
discredit her.
often focuses on a woman’s identity, family,
or personal life rather than her public role or
ideas.
• Silencing effect: Many women withdraw
from political or public activities to avoid
further harm on themselves and their loved
ones.
Discussion
Cultural norms surrounding honor and
reputation amplify the social consequences of
TFGBV. Interventions must address these
systemic barriers and foster environments that
encourage survivors to seek support without fear
of judgment.
“As a public figure, I’m constantly
attacked online. It’s not about my
work but about silencing me as a
woman.”
Another noted that TFGBV campaigns are
disproportionately harsher for women, as
technology facilitates anonymous and large-scale
abuse.
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