Recognize, Resist, Rise Up: Country Report for Germany on Gender-based Violence against Women in Politics

Politicians are increasingly becoming targets of attacks, with women disproportionately affected by gender-based abuse. An analysis by EAF Berlin as part of the EU project "3R – Recognize, Resist, Rise Up" reveals that insults, threats, and discrimination are widespread. According to a 2021 Spiegel survey, nearly 90% of members of the Bundestag have experienced online harassment, with approximately 70% of these attacks being misogynistic. Furthermore, women are more frequently subjected to sexualized threats or attacks against their families. As a result, many withdraw from public life or alter their communication and behavior. The country report for Germany outlines the forms and extent of gender-based violence in politics and identifies gaps and potential countermeasures. It recommends, among other things, guidelines and more accessible protection and counseling services for elected officials, increased prevention and intervention mechanisms during election campaigns, and a clear cultural shift: violence against female politicians must no longer be accepted as part of the job.

Learn more about the project 3R – Recognize, Resist, Rise Up – Tackling Gender-based Violence against Women in Politics

In the project 3R – Recognize, Resist, Rise Up – Tackling Gender-Based Violence against Women in Politics five European organizations—EAF Berlin, Fórum 50% in the Czech Republic, JÓLLÉT Alapítvány in Hungary, Women for Election in Ireland, and Možnosť voľby - Freedom of Choice in Slovakia—are working to protect female politicians from hate speech and harassment. First, the project raises awareness of the issue and improves the safety and participation of politically active women by sharing best practices for combating and protecting against hate speech. The five project partners have produced country reports that capture background information for each nation regarding gender-based violence against female politicians. These serve as a starting point for further research and advocacy activities within the 3R project.

Learn more about the project 3R – Recognize, Resist, Rise Up – Tackling Gender-based Violence against Women in Politics

In the project 3R – Recognize, Resist, Rise Up – Tackling Gender-Based Violence against Women in Politics five European organizations—EAF Berlin, Fórum 50% in the Czech Republic, JÓLLÉT Alapítvány in Hungary, Women for Election in Ireland, and Možnosť voľby - Freedom of Choice in Slovakia—are working to protect female politicians from hate speech and harassment. First, the project raises awareness of the issue and improves the safety and participation of politically active women by sharing best practices for combating and protecting against hate speech. The five project partners have produced country reports that capture background information for each nation regarding gender-based violence against female politicians. These serve as a starting point for further research and advocacy activities within the 3R project.