#NotTheCost: Countering hate and harassment against women in (local) politics

About the event

Politically active women are not only subject to the same politically motivated attacks as their male colleagues. They also frequently face hostility and direct attacks based on their gender. Women are particularly affected by hate speech on social media. They experience sexualized insults, rape threats, and threats against their families—all aimed at intimidating them, silencing them, and forcing them to withdraw from politics. These attacks represent an additional barrier to women's political engagement.

In addition to a current status report by Sarah Bitschnau from the Federal Criminal Police Office, public prosecutor Charlotte Ruf will discuss the experiences and challenges involved in the criminal prosecution of hate speech. Frederike Wistuba and Martina Ansorge from "Starke Stelle" will present a concrete support service for those affected.

The speakers

Sarah Bitschnau, Research Associate, Federal Criminal Police Office

Charlotte Ruf, Public Prosecutor, Munich Public Prosecutor's Office

Frederike Wistuba and Martina Ansorge, Starke Stelle

Registration

When: October 7, 2025, 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM,

Where: Online

Here you can register.

Here you will find the full program.

Learn more about the Women.Diversity.Politics. project.

Women.Diversity.Politics. is the nationwide, non-partisan contact point for anyone looking to make a difference in local politics. Information, consulting, best practices, and networking: the project, run by EAF Berlin and the German Rural Women's Association, offers resources at www.frauen-vielfalt-politik.de.
solutions for improving the framework conditions in local politics. This ensures that more women in all their diversity can and want to get involved in politics—for a strong democracy.

www.frauen-vielfalt-politik.de