top of page

Online hate that targets women is a threat to democracy itself

Writer: Shari GraydonShari Graydon
Jan 16, 2023

Updated: Mar 14, 2023

Women are now being subjected not just to insults and demeaning comments but to vicious lies, doctored images and sexual and violent intimidation.



Elon Musk isn’t responsible for how unappealing public life has become for even ambitious women. But the billionaire’s ascension to Twitter’s c-suite and his reinstatement of some infamously banned bad actors is turbo-charging abuse on the platform, making the challenge even harder.


Consider that in the 2017 municipal elections in Alberta, women candidates were four times more likely than men to describe the campaign as “negative” and report that the criticism they received was personal. They weren’t being dissed for their policies or positions, but for their race or religion, their parenting or appearance.


Almost half said they “regularly” received misogynistic or discriminatory attacks.


Comments

Our Land Acknowledgment

Balance the Power acknowledges that the land on which we live and work is the homeland of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, who have lived on it for millennia. We recognize the genocidal policies implemented against Indigenous peoples by settlers and many elected governments. We profoundly regret that historical and contemporary policies continue to disenfranchise Indigenous communities.

On Indigenous Inclusion

Meaningful participation and inclusion of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people is central to the premise and spirit of this campaign. We have and will continue to seek Indigenous perspectives and experiences to inform and guide this campaign.

Take Action

Urge your elected representatives to sign the pledge to increase the diversity and representation of women and equity-deserving communities in our elected bodies.

  • X
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
Join the Wave

Let’s make waves to Balance the Power and change politics for good! Subscribe to get campaign updates, events, and actions directly to your inbox.

Thanks for subscribing!

Balance the Power is a project of Informed Opinions, supported by funding for systemic change from Women and Gender Equality Canada.

Informed Opinions logo
Women and Gender Equality Canada logo.

© 2023 by Informed Opinions

bottom of page