Women's Full and Equal Participation in Politics and Public Discourse Is a Human Right

Women's Full and Equal Participation in Politics and Public Discourse Is a Human Right

The phenomenon of violence against women in elections is one of the most serious barriers to women's political participation around the world.

Violence against women in elections is one of the most serious barriers to women’s political participation around the world, regardless of country or context.

What Is VAW-E?

What Is VAW-E?

Violence against women in elections (VAW-E) can take many forms and occur throughout the electoral cycle, from pre-election through election day and the post-election period. Learn more about VAW-E.

  • Economic
  • Physical
  • Psychological
  • Sexual
  • Threats and Coercion
  • Activist
  • Candidate
  • Elected official
  • Election administrator
  • Observer
  • Party member or supporter
  • Voter
  • Candidate
  • Elected official
  • Election administrator
  • Family member
  • Member of security force
  • Other
  • Political party member or leader
  • Discourage women from participating
  • Influence women's participation
  • Prevent women from participating

Countries

Countries

The Votes Without Violence project, initially developed by the National Democratic Institute, has examined violence against women in elections in the following countries. You can view each country's data individually or check out our cross-country analysis.

Methodology

Election observation is of critical importance for combating electoral violence. Nonpartisan citizen observers play a crucial role in forecasting, monitoring, mitigating and mediating political conflict, including violence against women. Through Votes Without Violence, citizen observer groups in countries around the world can use new ways to prevent and stop electoral violence against women.

Our Data

Gathering data on VAW-E is an important part of taking action against it. Collecting, analyzing and presenting systematic data helps make the case that violence is a real and present problem. Data allows us to define and prove the problem, raise awareness, and spur action by governments, civil society and citizens.

NDI Gender, Women and Democracy logo

Electoral violence undermines democratic elections, which are a cornerstone of democratic governance. Violence against women in elections is a particular form of electoral violence, motivated by a desire to prevent women from participating in the electoral process, which sees women attacked for daring to participate in elections. Learn More About Votes Without Violence