A recent report highlights the pervasive harassment, sexism, and violence against women in parliaments across the Asia-Pacific region. With interviews from 150 female MPs and staff in 33 countries, the findings reveal that 76% experienced psychological violence, and a quarter faced sexual violence. The environment within these political spaces is rife with misogyny, with notable incidents of harassment by male colleagues. The report calls for urgent reforms, emphasizing that such abuse undermines democracy and that parliaments should serve as safe spaces for all members.
Violence and sexism against women in politics is a direct assault on democracy, underscoring that parliaments must be sanctuaries for healthy debate and law-making.
One in four women reported having experienced sexual violence, with more than half of the harassment against female MPs taking place on parliamentary premises and committed by male parliamentarians.
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