As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December 2025) under the global theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls” the Election Resource Centre (ERC Africa) highlights the serious issue of politically motivated gender-based violence in electoral spaces and bemoans the lack of action in addressing it. The electoral and political playing field continues to be significantly skewed against women:
● Social Media, AI and GBV: In the growing age of social media and AI, electoral stakeholders have not sufficiently taken steps to address the use of AI in elections with a particular focus on the use of social media, AI and GBV. Without effective legal recourse and multi stakeholder intervention, women will continue to be disproportionately affected by social media and Generative AI, forcing women to rely on self-censorship and self-protection measures that negatively impacts on their participation. Existing mechanisms to address online GBV remain insufficient and fail to offer meaningful protection, accountability and support for survivors.
● Violence in Elections: Elections across Southern Africa have been deeply rooted in violent and intimidatory practices especially directed towards women. The UN Women notes that violence against women in politics is a pervasive issue that hinders the political participation of women. While the ERC notes progressive steps taken by state institutions including the Zimbabwe Gender Commission which published a National Study on Violence Against Women in Politics in Zimbabwe and the Commission for Gender Equality in South Africa which published an assessment of Women’s Participation and Representation in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. Concrete steps are yet to be taken by stakeholders to follow up on the recommendations proffered.
ERC Africa calls on:
– Electoral Commissions to adopt policies and regulations governing the use of AI and social media in elections with a view of addressing the negative impacts on the use of social media and AI as a tool that enables and amplifies GBV.
– Political Parties to adopt internal reforms that safeguard women from violence and intimidation during primary elections, by-elections and candidate selection.
– Civil Society and Advocacy Groups to scale up voter education and build safe reporting mechanisms for election-related gender-based intimidation.
– Law Enforcement and Justice Institutions to fully investigate, prosecute, and sanction perpetrators of political violence—particularly those targeting women.
Violence and intimidation in elections not only undermine democratic principles, but also obstruct women’s right to fully participate and lead. As we observe the 16 Days of Activism, ERC Africa reaffirms its commitment to not just responding to violence, but preventing it.
In solidarity, with all Women, across the globe!!
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For more information
ERC Africa – Board Chairperson
Trust Maanda
erczimbabwe@gmail.com
www.ercafrica.org
ERC Africa – Executive Director
Dr. Babra Ontibile Bhebe
erczimbabwe@gmail.com
www.ercafrica.org