Aglobal survey recently carried out by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) found that many female politicians were regularly subjected to physical, sexual and psychological violence.
The survey covered 55 female MPs from 39 countries, and despite the small sample, the results were disturbing. More than 40% said that they had been subjected to threats of death, rape, beatings or abduction. About 65% said that they were often subjected to ‘humiliating sexist remarks’, usually made in parliament by male colleagues, including those from their own party as well as from the opposition. A number of women said that they had been asked for sexual favours in return for political advantage. Almost half said that they had also been abused via social media. One fifth said that they had been slapped, pushed or struck. Some had been denied funds or resources to which they were entitled and which male colleagues had received.
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