In Honduras, various female law-makers from different political factions have openly reported numerous instances of mistreatment, verbal harassment, and gender-driven political aggression within the National Congress. These claims reveal an unfriendly atmosphere where women legislators encounter threats and belittling due to their gender, particularly when voicing critical opinions or engaging in legislative discussions. These issues have initiated a conversation about dignity and fairness in leadership roles, emphasizing the ongoing presence of sexist attitudes and aggressive discourse in the assembly.
The allegations also indicate that this behavior has intensified in the context of controversial discussions, such as those related to the Tax Justice Law and the restructuring of the judiciary. Despite the seriousness of these situations, Congress authorities have reportedly not imposed disciplinary sanctions against those responsible, which contributes to the normalization of gender-based political violence. Faced with this reality, female deputies have demanded concrete measures to guarantee their integrity and respect for their legislative work.
Gender-based political violence and the institutional environment in the National Congress
Women members of parliament have indicated that actions such as verbal harassment and attempted physical attacks are widespread in the National Congress. This highlights a recurring issue of gender-based political violence, which hinders women’s comprehensive and effective engagement in legislative activities, fostering an environment of fear and marginalization.
Political violence against women is especially noticeable during heated discussions, when female lawmakers oppose the governing party. This not only infringes on the rights of women in parliament but also endangers democratic quality by restricting the variety of perspectives in policy-making. The lack of dedicated procedures to tackle these situations in Congress allows this issue to continue.
Assistance and expectations placed on women in the legislative role
Different groups within civil society, along with global entities like UN Women and the Women’s Parliamentary Network of Latin America, have shown their backing for the female legislators impacted and urged the Honduran government to ensure equal and safe conditions for all women in parliament. These organizations have emphasized the importance of applying swift disciplinary actions against individuals who perpetrate political violence, along with establishing dedicated protocols to prevent and tackle these incidents within the legislative context.
The women legislators have declared that they will persist in their fight to be acknowledged and valued, highlighting that their duty is to serve the people and not endure harassment or disrespect. Their demands include the implementation of explicit measures to safeguard their safety, complete respect for their parliamentary duties, and the elimination of all types of gender-based political violence within the National Congress. These measures are deemed crucial to reinforce democracy and ensure equal involvement of women in Honduran politics.
