According to the National Democratic Institute (NDI), research shows that female politicians suffer significantly more violence, both actual and threatened, than their male counterparts. The problem, including "threats of death, rape, beatings, or abductions," has escalated to such a degree that NDI has launched a #NotTheCost initiative to combat the violence and intimidation faced by women politicians around the world.

To further this initiative, NDI recently published an updated “Incident Report Form” to collect testimony on violence against politically active women. The form is similar to that used by the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences and the information collected will be used to assist the Special Rapporteur in preparing a report on violence against women in politics later this year. The form is available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish. 

The #NotTheCost campaign recognizes that violence against female politicians is prevalent in both developed nations and emerging economies, regardless of quotas or legislative measures designed to increase the number of women in office. Evidence shows that economies benefit greatly from women participating in politics, but the violence, sexual harassment and online bullying women face prevents or dissuades many from running for office or staying in office once elected. 

Click here to view the “Not the Cost” Program Guide. The Inter-Parliamentary Union’s 2016 report, “Sexism, harassment and violence against women parliamentarians,” is available here.  

Compiled from: #NotTheCost Campaign Launches New Incident Report Form in Four Languages, NDI Press Release (August 4, 2017); Matfess, Hilary, Violence Against Female Politicians, Council on Foreign Relations (July 11, 2017).

For more information

Please see the Sexual Harassment and the Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women sections of this website.