The assessment, which included testimonies from women active in politics and electoral activities as well as experiences of law enforcement and government officials and other stakeholders, also shows that women political party candidates are particularly vulnerable to such forms of violence. Such forms of gender motivated hate speech also constitute gender-based violence. As a result, women political party members and candidates had only family or the political party they represent to turn to for comfort and encouragement. Studies show that violence against women in elections (VAWE) is a threat to the integrity of the electoral process as it coercively excludes women from having a voice in the political life and governance of their country. It also calls on civic society organizations and government authorities who play various roles in the election process to ensure that the process is free from all forms of gender motivated violence throughout.

Source: Ethiopian News March 09, 2021 07:52 UTC