Gender Based Violence affects women participation in elections
ERC Africa joins the world in commemorating 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a crucial international campaign that sheds light on the devastating impact of violence against women and girls. Election Resource Centre Africa (ERC) rightly acknowledges that in the context of elections, violence against women undermines the very foundations of a free and fair electoral environment. Gender Based Violence not only jeopardizes the integrity of electoral processes but also discourages women from participating in elections, thereby silencing their voices. GBV is a major obstacle to women’s political participation and, by extension, democracy.
The Consequences of Violence against Women in Elections:
- Dissuading Women from Participating: Violence against women in elections is often used as a targeted and destructive tool to dissuade women from participating as candidates, election administrators, or voters.
- Undermining Electoral Integrity: Violence in elections promotes exclusion of women which then compromises the integrity of electoral processes, making it challenging to ensure free and fair elections.
- Silencing Women’s Voices: By discouraging women from participating in elections, violence against women in elections silences their voices and perspectives, undermining democracy.
It’s essential to recognize the severity of this issue and work collectively to prevent violence against women in elections, ensuring that women’s voices are heard and valued in the electoral process. Zimbabwe must enact necessary legal and political reforms to guarantee equal and full participation of women and all vulnerable groups for credible election processes
For more information:
ERC Chairperson
Trust Maanda
+263 77 2432646
ERC Director
Babra Bhebe
+263 77 396 3785
information@erczim.org
Twitter: @ercafrica
