How can we act together to address violence against women in politics?

About the event

This briefing marks the presentation of Tool 6: Experiences and Coping Strategies of Women in Politics, released in December 2025. Tool 6 forms part of ODIHR’s Addressing Violence against Women in Politics in the OSCE Region: Toolkit (2022). Based on interviews with 19 women from 13 OSCE countries, it documents the forms and impacts of violence against women in politics (VAWiP), the coping strategies women use, and gaps in support and accountability. It concludes with practical recommendations for action by individuals and institutions.

Violence against women in politics remains a major barrier to women’s full and equal participation in political and public life across the OSCE region. It is used to push women out of politics, limit their influence, and undermine representative democracy, with broader implications for peace and security.

The event connects women’s lived experiences with the institutional changes needed to prevent and address VAWiP. It aims to deepen understanding of this issue as a distinct form of violence against women, share key findings and practical guidance from Tool 6, and highlight the importance of strong institutional responses and a whole-of-society approach.

Who can take part

Representatives of OSCE participating States’ delegations. 
Participation is by invitation.

Contact

For further information, please contact:
Saša Gavrić, sasa.gavric@odihr.pl 
Sanja Nikolin, sanja.nikolin@odihr.pl