POLITICAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

Women’s participation in politics makes a difference in development and economic growth. There are different views, talents, and perspectives that they bring into politics that shape the political agenda. Changes in how parliaments operate reflect the positive impact of the presence of women: an improvement in the language and behavior in parliaments; different prioritization of issues and policies; gender sensitivity in all aspects of governing, including budgeting; and the introduction of new legislation and changes to existing laws[1].

Political rights cover three substantial manifestations:

·         The right to vote and to be elected;

·         The right of everyone to participate in the administration of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives;

·         The right to equal access to public service.

This implies the full participation and representation of women in the effective exercise of political power and in decision-making processes in all spheres of public and political life, on an equal basis with men and without any discrimination[2].

Both men and women face political violence when running for different political positions. The difference is that when women’s violence is associated with their gender, having the notion that they ought not to hold a political position as opposed to men’s violence that is associated with greed and competition. There is a direct relation between power and gender based violence which is evident in our patriarchal society.

Political violence manifests in physical violence (being mugged, stripped naked), abuses that target marital lives and physique, sexual abuses (mostly being rapped), either them or their children being kidnapped during their term in office and some end up being killed if they do not back down from the political race, economic violence, losing businesses and properties and when in political positions, other political partners make it difficult for them to partner in economic development projects.

The root causes of political violence;

·         Institutional causes; having laws that either restrict women from participating in the public sector or not having laws that defend women who take the risk to venture into the political world.

·         Socio-cultural causes; these emanate from the gender roles that are ascribed to women and girls. They are expected to take roles that put them in the private sectors as opposed to men that get the advantage of being in the public sectors.

Source: Violence Against Women in Politics A Defense of the Concept Mona Lena Krook and Juliana RestrepoSanín

Men are seen as the main perpetrators of violence against women in politics, but the psychological violence, (mostly verbal abuses) are led by the fellow women. Women face a significant amount of cyberbullying from social media platforms where users attack their gender roles as opposed to judging them by their quality of leadership. Motives are different depending on an individual’s interest. Men see it as a threat to the positions that they are running for.

Political violence against women goes unreported in fear that it may portray weakness and a liability to their political parties. Others fear the discrimination from the public and to be seen as incapable of handling challenges and the pressure that comes with the political position.

“Expressions, actions and practices of physical, psychological, sexual, economic and symbolic sexual violence faced by women who exercise their right to political representation, especially in local areas, this is done in order to frighten, pressure, or discredit them and force them to act against their will. In many cases, this is meant to make them resign their elective offices and/or to make political decisions with which they disagree; in others, to make them support discretionary decisions in the management of power and resources, against all ethics and standards of public management and the functions that public servants must fulfill” (Machicao, 2004, page 5).

The psychological trauma women experience leads to loss of lives and dignity; they are either raped, stripped naked and sometimes even they get killed. Such abuses make it difficult for them to participate in politics and affect their marriages and their children’s development.

Economic development and empowerment are hindered; Their motherhood tends to suffer; women dedicate most of their time to nurturing their family, engaging in politics has put them in a difficult situation of whether or not to take up the political positions over their families. In the end, they’d rather choose their family than the political positions. They lose the great opportunities that they have to build up their careers and develop economically.

The society at large suffers; women in elected positions are always under a lot of pressure in terms of their performance and often lack support from their male counterparts in the office. As a result, they may misrepresent the needs of the public and especially the needs of women in order to gain support from their male colleagues. In turn, the society is negatively impacted because the needs and expectations of women and the public will not be met.

Democracy is also suppressed. Violence discourages women to run for office which denies them the chance to participate in forming the government; hence they are unable to participate in decision making. VAWP is a violation of human rights which is a core principle of democracy.

Degradation, humiliation, and belittling of women engenders a sense of fear and insecurity in women victims. It prevents women from leading independent lives, curtails their movement and determines their dressing manner. It also increases vulnerability and dependence. The overall effect is that their potential goes unrealized and their energies are stifled as violence prevents women from participating fully in the life of the family, community and society at large.

Recommendations

1.    Implementation of specific laws that cater to women in politics, their ability to participate in politics freely without the fear of discrimination. The government can also partner with organizations that focus on the same line of work.

2.    Civic education to political aspirants; political parties are urged to have capacity building for their women political aspirants. Consider friendly timing that does not affect their gender roles.

3.    The media should work to create more awareness and be gender sensitive to the political aspirants. They should avoid language that demeans women or focuses on their personal lives instead of their political work.

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[1]UN Chronicle: Women in Politics - The Fight to End Violence Against WomenVol. XLVII No. 1 2010 February 2010

2UN Chronicle: Women in Politics - The Fight to End Violence Against Women Vol. XLVII No. 1 2010 February 2010

By: Nyabena Susan

Blogger/Gender Expert