Female politicians are exposed to more hate and threats, new study shows

70 percent of female municipal board chairpersons suffer from hate and threats annually, compared to just over half of the male ones.

The study is based on nearly 7,000 survey responses from municipal politicians in Sweden.

Threats and hatred against women are more often personal and linked to their identity, while threats against men are more related to their political views.

According to the study, harassment increases when topics such as gender equality, migration and violence against women are discussed.

Social media common forum for abuse

Threats or attacks on social media are the most common form of psychological violence.

The report also shows that media visibility is more costly for female politicians.

The study has also investigated the consequences of harassment in politics.

One is that women are silenced, another is that certain issues risk getting less space for debate because they are avoided out of fear.

In the long run, this may have consequences in society through reduced demands for measures from the public.