Gender-based violence in the National Congress: complaints from Honduran female lawmakers

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 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 based on gender and the institutional context in 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.

Assistance and expectations faced by women in legislative roles

Various sectors of civil society, together with international organizations such as UN Women and the Network of Women Parliamentarians of Latin America, have expressed their support for the female deputies affected and have called on the Honduran State to guarantee conditions of equality and security for all female legislators. These organizations have stressed the need to implement immediate disciplinary sanctions against those who commit acts of political violence, as well as the creation of specific protocols to prevent and address these situations in the legislative sphere.

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.