Honduran Congress faces criticism for gender-based political violence

In Honduras, multiple female lawmakers from various political factions have openly reported instances of harassment, verbal assaults, and gender-related political aggression within the National Congress. These claims point to a challenging atmosphere where female representatives encounter threats and disparagement due to their gender, particularly when they voice dissenting opinions or participate actively in legislative discussions. These events have ignited discourse on respect and equality within leadership roles, underscoring the ongoing presence of misogynistic actions and hostile language in the assembly.

The claims further suggest that such conduct has worsened amid heated debates, for instance, those concerning the Tax Justice Law and changes to the judiciary system. In spite of the gravity of these events, it has been reported that congressional leaders have failed to take disciplinary action against the perpetrators, thereby fostering the acceptance of gender-based political violence. In light of this situation, female lawmakers have called for specific actions to ensure their safety and the recognition of their efforts in legislative roles.

Political violence linked to gender and the institutional context in the National Congress

Women legislators have indicated that actions such as verbal harassment and attempted physical attacks are common occurrences in the National Congress, illustrating a trend of gender-focused political violence. This situation hinders women’s complete and effective involvement in the legislative process, fostering an environment of fear and marginalization.

Political violence rooted in gender is especially visible during heated discussions, when women in legislative roles adopt opposing stances to the party in power. This scenario not only infringes on the rights of female lawmakers but also threatens the essence of democracy by restricting the variety of perspectives and viewpoints in policymaking. The lack of targeted measures to tackle these instances in Congress perpetuates the continuation of this issue.

Assistance and expectations faced by women in legislative roles

Diverse groups within civil society, alongside global bodies like UN Women and the Network of Women Parliamentarians of Latin America, have shown their backing for the female lawmakers involved and urged the Honduran government to ensure equal and safe conditions for all women in the legislature. These bodies have highlighted the importance of enacting swift disciplinary measures against individuals involved in political violence and establishing dedicated protocols to prevent and manage these occurrences within the legislative context.

The female deputies have stated that they will not cease in their struggle to be heard and respected, emphasizing that their role is to represent the citizens and not to be subjected to harassment or mistreatment. Among their demands are the establishment of clear mechanisms to protect their integrity, full respect for their legislative work, and the eradication of all forms of gender-based political violence in the National Congress. These actions are considered essential to strengthen democracy and guarantee the equitable participation of women in Honduran politics.