The 2025 Annual Conference of the Gender Equality Commission will address the pressing issue of violence and sexism against women in politics, with a specific focus on combating such challenges within political parties and institutions. The conference aligns with the objectives of the Strategy and with the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy, which call for the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women and the promotion of equal political participation.
The 2025 Annual Conference will be structured into two sessions spread over two days. These sessions will focus on the following key areas:
Session 1 – Breaking down the barriers to equal and meaningful participation: ending sexism and violence, including technology-facilitated violence, in political life
Session 2 -The future of women in politics: confronting the anti-feminist backlash and advancing gender equality
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The first session will address the persistent sexism and violence that women in politics face, both online and offline, hindering their political participation and leadership. This violence, including harassment, intimidation, and sexual violence, exists within political parties, institutions, and public discourse, creating a hostile climate that discourages women from engaging fully in democracy. As digital platforms gain prominence, technology-facilitated violence, such as disinformation campaigns and AI-driven harassment, disproportionately silences women leaders and candidates, particularly those from marginalized groups. Tackling these threats demands stronger legal protections and a concerted effort to make political spaces safer. The GEC’s work on gender equality, AI, and accountability for technology-facilitated violence will be crucial in developing comprehensive policy solutions.
The conference will commence with opening remarks and a keynote address delivered by distinguished dignitaries, setting the tone for the proceedings.
The first panel discussion will explore the various forms of sexism and violence faced by women in political spaces, from harassment and intimidation to sexual violence within political parties, institutions, and public life. It will examine how technology-facilitated violence against women, including online sexism and hate speech, disproportionately target women leaders and candidates, silencing them and undermining democratic debate. The discussion will also explore strategies to counter these threats, including legal and regulatory measures, on-line content moderation and policy interventions to ensure safer digital spaces for women in politics.
The second panel discussion will examine how these acts of violence function as a deterrent to women’s political engagement and reinforce structural gender inequalities. The discussion will highlight the role of political parties and institutions in preventing and addressing sexism and violence, discuss good practices, and underline the urgent need for stronger accountability mechanisms.
A representative from the Gender Equality Commission will deliver the concluding remarks of the first session of this conference.
The second session will explore how the emergence of anti-rights movements and anti-gender rhetoric has curtailed the space for women’s leadership and political engagement, posing significant threats to democratic progress and perpetuating structural inequalities. This backlash, manifesting through restrictive policies and regressive narratives, undermines women’s rights and limits their access to decision-making roles. Concurrently, enduring structural barriers—such as inequitable electoral systems, unequal access to resources, and discriminatory practices—continue to impede women’s full participation in political life.
A representative of the Gender Equality Commission will deliver the opening remarks for the second session of the GEC Annual Conference.
The first part of the session will consist of a ‘fireside chat’ between a high-level woman politician and a woman activist or journalist involved in politics. The conversation will explore the lived experiences of women in politics, and the impact on sexism and violence on women’s leadership and participation in political life as well as on their private lives. The discussion will also explore how disinformation about gender equality and technology-facilitated violence against women influence women’s political engagement and what different actors (governments, institutions, and civil society) can do to protect and promote women’s political participation.
The second part of the session will consist of a panel discussion that will explore how the backlash against women’s rights is affecting policies and action to address the structural inequalities and in what way gendered political expectations continue to limit women’s access to decision-making roles and political spaces. The discussion will highlight concrete solutions, including legal frameworks and institutional reforms such as adapted parity laws and gender quotas, and good practices to advance gender equality in politics and ensure a truly inclusive and democratic future.
To conclude the conference, a designated rapporteur will deliver a comprehensive summary of the key insights and discussions from both sessions. This presentation will summarise the main themes, highlight significant contributions from speakers, and outline actionable points that emerged during the event. The aim is to provide an overview of the conference’s outcomes, facilitating reflection and informing future initiatives.
Final remarks will be presented by the Head of the Gender Mainstreaming Unit at the Human Rights Directorate, Malta.