By Tendai Chisiri
As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December 2025) under the global theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, the Election Resource Centre (ERC Africa) is drawing attention to the serious issue of politically motivated gender-based violence in electoral spaces.
According to ERC Africa, the electoral and political playing field continues to be significantly skewed against women. The organisation notes that social media and AI have become tools that enable and amplify gender-based violence (GBV), with women being disproportionately affected.
“Without effective legal recourse and multi-stakeholder intervention, women will continue to be forced to rely on self-censorship and self-protection measures that negatively impact their participation,” said ERC Africa.
The organisation highlights that elections across Southern Africa have been deeply rooted in violent and intimidatory practices, especially directed towards women. The UN Women notes that violence against women in politics is a pervasive issue that hinders the political participation of women.
ERC Africa acknowledges progressive steps taken by state institutions, including the Zimbabwe Gender Commission’s publication of a National Study on Violence Against Women in Politics in Zimbabwe and the Commission for Gender Equality in South Africa’s assessment of Women’s Participation and Representation in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
However, the organisation stresses that concrete steps are yet to be taken by stakeholders to follow up on the recommendations.
ERC Africa is calling on electoral commissions to adopt policies and regulations governing the use of AI and social media in elections, addressing the negative impacts on women. The organisation is also urging political parties to adopt internal reforms that safeguard women from violence and intimidation during primary elections, by-elections, and candidate selection.
“Civil Society and Advocacy Groups should scale up voter education and build safe reporting mechanisms for election-related gender-based intimidation,” said ERC Africa.
The organisation is also calling on law enforcement and justice institutions to fully investigate, prosecute, and sanction perpetrators of political violence, particularly those targeting women.
“Violence and intimidation in elections not only undermine democratic principles but also obstruct women’s right to fully participate and lead,” said ERC Africa.
As the 16 Days of Activism comes to a close, ERC Africa reaffirms its commitment to preventing violence against women and promoting their participation in electoral processes.
“In solidarity, with all Women, across the globe!!” the organisation said.
News Sport Online 