Online Violence Against Women in Politics in Ukraine: An IFES Assessment

Following independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukrainian women and men alike were eager to exercise newfound political rights. However, while there have been some examples of high-profile Ukrainian women in politics, on the whole women have remained significantly underrepresented in politics.

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) recognizes that violence against women in elections is a threat to the integrity of the electoral process. A new IFES assessment finds that online abuse and harassment in Ukraine is a pervasive barrier to women’s political participation. Online Violence Against Women in Politics in Ukraine: An IFES Assessment provides recommendations for the Central Election Commission, policymakers, political parties, civil society and social media platforms to address this problem.