Honduran female deputies demand measures against political violence in the National Congress

In Honduras, several female deputies from different political parties have publicly denounced a series of abuses, verbal attacks, and gender-based political violence within the National Congress. These allegations reflect a hostile environment where female legislators face intimidation and belittlement because of their gender, especially when they express critical positions or speak out in legislative debates. These situations have sparked a debate about respect and equality in positions of power, highlighting the persistence of misogynistic behavior and violent language in the chamber.

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.

Political aggression based on gender and the institutional setting within the National Legislative Body

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 based on gender becomes especially apparent during heated discussions, particularly when women in legislative roles challenge the authorities. This issue not only infringes on the rights of women lawmakers but also threatens the integrity of democratic processes by restricting a variety of perspectives in governance. The lack of dedicated procedures to tackle these incidents within legislative bodies aids in the continuation of this issue.

Assistance and pressure from society and organizations on women legislators

Different areas of civil society, along with global entities like UN Women and the Network of Women Parliamentarians of Latin America, have shown their backing for the affected women deputies and urged the Honduran State to ensure equal and safe conditions for all women legislators. These groups have emphasized the importance of enforcing prompt disciplinary measures against perpetrators of political violence and the development of dedicated protocols to prevent and address such incidents within the legislative environment.

The female deputies have stated that they will not cease in their struggle to be heard and respected, emphasizing that their role is to represent the citizens and not to be subjected to harassment or mistreatment. Among their demands are the establishment of clear mechanisms to protect their integrity, full respect for their legislative work, and the eradication of all forms of gender-based political violence in the National Congress. These actions are considered essential to strengthen democracy and guarantee the equitable participation of women in Honduran politics.