On March 5, 2024, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) hosted a pivotal webinar titled “Unpacking Democracy: Intersectionality of Gender and Violence Against Political Actors,” attended by a representative from Youth Empowerment. Held online via Webex from 15:00 to 16:30 CET, the event aimed to illuminate the crucial role of gender in democratic processes, focusing on the challenges faced by political actors. It examined how gender intersects with violence against political figures and addressed the rise of technology-facilitated violence in the political realm. Discussions emphasized Luxembourg’s commitment to gender equality during its 2024 Presidency of the Council of Member States of International IDEA. The panel explored diverse challenges faced by political actors, including voters, party members, elected leaders, election observers, media personnel, and electoral officials, highlighting how gender-based violence affects these groups both online and offline. Contributing factors such as formal and informal laws, socio-cultural norms, practices, and gender stereotypes were also discussed. 

Insights from global trends analysis by the Summit for Democracy Cohort on Gender Equality were shared, underscoring the deeply gendered challenges in exercising democratic rights. Panelists included Elin Bjarnegård and Pär Zetterberg from Uppsala University, Mona Lena Krook from Rutgers University, Marcela Rios Tobar from International IDEA, and Hon. Regina Esparon from the SADC Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, with moderation by Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu of International IDEA. The event began with welcome remarks by Anne Goedert from Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and concluded with closing remarks by Massimo Tommasoli of International IDEA, summarizing the key takeaways and underscoring the importance of addressing gender-based discrimination and violence to ensure inclusive and equitable political participation and representation.