October 11, 2024, marks the UN’s International Day of the Girl Child. This year’s focus, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” makes the need for girls’ and young women’s equitable political involvement especially apparent. Despite girls and young women being critical parts of political environments, their global participation within these spaces continues to be limited, with numerous obstacles designed to exclude them. Ongoing research shows that gender differences in political engagement start early, often taking hold in formative years before individuals reach political maturity.

Two years ago, NDI held a series of discussions with women political leaders around the world and asked them what steps could be taken to address the gendered violence they face online. The effort validated that technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is a global challenge and a threat to the full participation of women in politics. It also recognized that TFGBV is a personal challenge to every woman in political and public life.

“Since we took up office after the 2023 election, the NDI training was our first opportunity to learn about our roles.” - Kailahun Local Councilor Amie Jimmy.

While the heroism and sacrifice of Ukrainian defenders are well known and honored across the country and the world, the unique stories and bravery of women in the military risk being underrepresented. Currently, over 60,000 women are serving and working in the Armed Forces in Ukraine - making up a total of 22.5% of the military. This percentage of women in military service is one of the highest worldwide.