National Congress, center of allegations of harassment against Honduran congresswomen

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 an escalation of such conduct amidst heated debates, particularly those concerning the Tax Justice Law and the overhaul of the judiciary. Even though these scenarios are quite severe, it is said that Congress leaders have not taken disciplinary actions against the individuals involved, which perpetuates the normalization of gender-related political violence. In response to this situation, female parliamentarians have called for specific actions to ensure their safety and respect for their roles in legislation.

Political violence influenced by gender and the institutional context within the National Congress

Women legislators have noted that actions such as verbal harassment and attempts at physical aggression are prevalent in the National Congress, demonstrating a trend of political violence against women. This situation hinders women’s complete and active involvement in the legislative process, fostering an environment of fear and marginalization.

Political violence driven by gender is especially noticeable during heated discussions, when women in legislative roles oppose the governing party’s policies. This issue not only infringes upon the rights of female lawmakers but also threatens democratic quality by restricting the range of voices and perspectives in the decision-making process. The lack of targeted procedures to tackle these instances in Congress perpetuates the issue.

Social and institutional support and demands from female deputies

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 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.