Gender violence in Honduran politics: female deputies on the front line

In Honduras, various female members from a range of political affiliations have openly reported instances of mistreatment, verbal aggression, and gender-based political discrimination within the National Congress. These claims reveal a challenging atmosphere where women lawmakers encounter harassment and diminution due to their gender, particularly when they voice dissenting opinions or participate in discussions during legislative sessions. These incidents have ignited a discussion regarding civility and fairness in leadership roles, emphasizing the ongoing presence of misogynistic conduct and aggressive 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 based on 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 based on gender becomes especially apparent during heated discussions, particularly when women in legislative roles challenge the authorities. This issue not only infringes on the rights of women lawmakers but also threatens the integrity of democratic processes by restricting a variety of perspectives in governance. The lack of dedicated procedures to tackle these incidents within legislative bodies aids in the continuation of this issue.

Assistance from society and institutional expectations for women in parliament

Different components of civil society, alongside global entities like UN Women and the Network of Women Parliamentarians of Latin America, have voiced their backing for the female lawmakers involved and have urged the Honduran government to ensure equal and secure conditions for all women legislators. These groups have emphasized the importance of enforcing prompt disciplinary actions against individuals who perpetuate political violence, and the development of distinct protocols to prevent and tackle these occurrences within the legislative environment.

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.