Live
Audio Only
With the support of feminist groups, lawmakers from the progressive Broad Front coalition introduced Wednesday a bill meant to criminalize “political violence” against women so they can exercise their political rights without discrimination when they are running for election or after they are elected at the local or national level.
The bill would protect women from various cases of violence, including: “any attempt to impede them from exercising their position, or to assign them responsibilities that do not correspond to their position.” Accusing women without grounds, wire-tapping communications, or scheduling sessions at nighttime, or in places that can affect women's safety, would also be considered as cases of political violence.
Gender violence in politics is widespread in Latin America, with two council women killed in Bolivia in 2015 and 34 cases of gender violence registered in Mexico, where several women candidates were also killed.
Bolivia has already adopted a bill addressing the issue, while Mexico and Peru are still discussing legislations in Congress.
Newsletter
