Gender harassment rife in African legislatures

Sexism, harassment and violence against women permeate Parliaments across Africa, according to a new study published on Tuesday. A report on the allAfrica site notes that the study reveals that on average eight of every 10 women parliamentarians interviewed have experienced psychological violence in their legislature. Released ahead of this year's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the study was carried out by the African Parliamentary Union and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a global organisation of national Parliaments. The Geneva-based IPU said the study was the second in its regional studies, following a 2018 report on European Parliaments. The African study found that 67% of African women parliamentarians have been subjected to sexist behaviour or remarks, while 42% have received threats. ‘The conclusions reveal an insidious epidemic of sexism in Parliaments in Africa,’ said IPU President Duarte Pacheco, a parliamentarian from Portugal. ‘Sexism and gender-based violence against women threatens Parliaments as it deters young women from entering politics.’