Ending Violence Against Women in Politics in Southeastern Europe

Violence, real and threatened, is one of the most serious barriers to gender-inclusive democratic processes and institutions in southeastern Europe. NDI’s research shows that violence deters  women’s participation in politics and public life, including among young women and girls. Under the Political Party Integrity program, NDI is connecting political party members and politically active women and men across southeastern Europe to end violence against women in politics (VAW-P)

Figure: Levels of VAW-P exposure in surveyed countries

NDI research has shown steady online and in-person VAW-P in southeastern Europe. Solidarity among women across the region – as seen in the response to the #NisamTrazila (#I did not ask [for it]) movement – and the increasing public spotlight help to increase pressure on political parties to address this challenge to women’s political participation. Party members in NDI’s program agreed on key action items to promote inclusion of diverse women in politics; recognizing that ethnic minority groups and LGBTQI+ communities face additional barriers to meaningful political participation, decision-making and leadership. Several also signed a public Declaration Against Violence Against Women in Politics, which included specific commitments. This declaration acknowledged the complex and expansive issue of VAW-P. The signatories also pledged to call out VAW-P in their own political parties or legislative bodies, catalyzing change from the inside out. 

In July 2021, NDI held Breaking the Cycle-Gender Based Violence in Public Space in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which gathered politically active women from across Europe to discuss tools to recognize, raise awareness and combat VAW-P. The event focused on NDI research documenting ways the COVID-19 pandemic has  worsened pre-existing inequalities and disproportionately harmed women. As a result of this event, NDI assisted prominent women politicians from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia draft action plans for adoption by parties in the region.  

NDI’s research consistently shows that the experience of gender-based violence is never an isolated one. VAW-P in southeastern Europe is similar to VAW-P in other regions. Through NDI’s Not the Cost campaign and other initiatives, the Institute will work to end this all too pervasive practice in the Balkans and beyond. 

NDI's engagement in Southeastern Europe is implemented with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).