African women in politics face alarming online threats
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Imagine stepping into leadership to make a difference—only to be met with death threats and abuse. That’s the reality for many women in African parliaments, according to a report by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the African Parliamentary Union (APU).
The numbers tell the story
Researchers spoke to 137 female parliamentarians across 50 African countries. The findings? 42%—that’s about 58 women—said they had received threats of death, rape, beating, or abduction, often through social media. Put simply: for every 10 women interviewed, 4 faced these terrifying threats.
Why should we care?
This isn’t just about politics—it’s about democracy and equality. When women leaders are bullied into silence, entire communities lose voices that matter. Online abuse doesn’t stay online; it creates fear that ripples through real life.
What needs to change
- Stronger laws to protect women in politics.
- Accountability for online platforms hosting abuse.
- Cultural shifts to challenge sexism and normalize women’s leadership.