The fight against violence and intimidation in politics is vital for young women to step up and shape the future of South Africa.
Violence against women in politics remains one of the least understood but most significant obstacles to gender equality in South Africa's democracy, according to speakers at a Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) webinar on Wednesday ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Gender Links' Gender and Governance Associate Susan Tolmay said women continue to face a range of threats and abuse simply for participating in political life, creating barriers that often prevent women from entering or remaining in leadership positions.
According to United Nations research, 80% of women politicians reported experiencing psychological violence, and 67% reported sexual violence.
The study also found that 42% had received death threats, rape threats, threats of beating or abduction, while 23% reported experiencing physical violence.
