Regional focus: Africa – Zimbabwe
Time: May 2025 – March 2026
Abstract:
This research project addresses a global threat to democracy that affects a vulnerable category of political actors – women in local politics. It aims to develop an evidence-based toolbox to address online violence against women in local politics in Zimbabwe. It will provide guidelines and recommendations of wider application for local government authorities and women politicians.
Post-election interviews conducted with local women politicians in Zimbabwe in 2024 revealed a significant increase in online violence. Online platforms were used to target, abuse and silence elected and aspiring women politicians. To-date these acts have not been addressed, as Zimbabwe lacks the relevant regulations and laws to effectively respond to online violence against women in politics. Current research focuses primarily on women in national politics and draws mainly from Europe, the US & Latin America. This project focuses on women in local politics in Africa. It addresses an important knowledge gap, generating practical steps to inform policy action.
Preliminary Research Questions:
- What strategies can local governments, local women politicians and other key front-line local actors utilise to effectively mitigate and prevent online gendered political violence in Zimbabwe?
- What is the nature, form and impact of online gendered political violence on local government politics in Zimbabwe?
- What laws and regulations can local government authorities mobilise to effectively mitigate and prevent online gendered political violence?
- How can key front-line actors (e.g. civil society organisations, electoral commissions or political parties) strategically support local governments and women in local politics targeted by online violence?
Researcher:
- Dr. Shingirai Mtero, Researcher (Postdoctoral), Nordic Africa Institute, Sweden
- Dr. Mandiedza Parichi, Senior Lecturer, Midlands State University, and Research Associate, Great Zimbabwe University
Call for Proposal: