Words that muzzle

This new research by the Asociación por los Derechos Civiles (Association for Civil Rights – ADC) addresses online gender-based violence exercised against women politicians. This digital dimension of the problem was included in the Argentinian regulatory framework in 2019, rendering it appropriate to consider its evolution after this introduction.

Two types of research were carried out on primary and secondary sources for this study. On one hand, we performed eleven surveys and three interviews with national legislators belonging to committees dealing with gender, diversity, and digital technologies. Besides, 33 articles were collected from national and local newspapers on public statements made by these women in relation to the aggressions and harassment they suffered over the Internet.

One of the most relevant findings is that all the women consulted have been through or know colleagues who have suffered situations of gender violence during their political careers. Among the most frequent forms of aggression are offensive comments replying to the content they share on social media as well as the spread of discrediting news based on stereotypes and prejudice related to their status as women.