The digital age has brought with it new challenges for those in positions of power, and women, in particular, are bearing the brunt of a disturbing trend: cyberbullying. This modern form of abuse has found fertile ground on social media platforms, where women in power, especially in politics, are subjected to harassment, ridicule and threats. The cases of prominent women such as Zimbabwe’s Linda Masarira and Elisabeth Valerio during the 2023 elections, as well as the experience of UK’s Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, highlight the widespread issue of cyberbullying targeting women leaders.
In Zimbabwe, the situation is alarming as female politicians, regardless of their position or ideologies, face a unique set of challenges that stem not only from the societal norms that undermine their roles but also from an online environment that amplifies and reinforces harmful stereotypes.
Linda Masarira, a well-known Zimbabwean female politician has been subjected to persistent cyberbullying, with much of the online discourse focusing not on her political insights but on her appearance. Instead of engaging with her political views or actions, trolls have latched onto her physical appearance, ridiculing her looks, and using derogatory language to undermine her credibility and leadership. It’s a disturbing reality many women in power face, where their ideas and policies are pushed aside in favor of irrelevant and often hurtful comments about their bodies.
In this environment, where patriarchal attitudes often marginalize women’s contributions in the public sphere, the online attacks on Masarira are a reflection of the broader societal reluctance to take women in leadership roles seriously. These harmful online narratives have real-world consequences, as they serve to delegitimize the voices of women leaders and create a toxic environment that discourages other women from participating in politics.
The 2023 Zimbabwean elections brought into sharp focus the sexualization and objectification of women candidates in the political arena. Elisabeth Valerio, the only female candidate in the race, found herself constantly under the spotlight—not for her political platform or policies, but for her appearance. Social media posts frequently objectified her, with derogatory comments about her body and appearance flooding her feeds. This kind of online harassment is a form of cyberbullying that trivializes the contributions of women leaders, reducing them to mere physical objects instead of recognizing their capabilities and ideas.
The sexualization of women candidates is not a new issue, but it has become even more pronounced with the rise of digital platforms where anonymity can embolden the trolls. Women who engage in political discourse are often forced to navigate a minefield of online abuse, with attacks designed not only to diminish their professional worth but to silence their voices altogether. For Valerio, the cyberbullying was a constant reminder that her worth as a candidate was seen by some not through the lens of her policies, but through a narrow, objectifying view of her gender.
The pattern of name-calling and gendered attacks on female politicians is not limited to Masarira and Valerio. Numerous female leaders in Zimbabwe have faced the same kinds of attacks, with their reputations and character being undermined by online trolls. Whether it’s being branded as “unfit” for leadership, called derogatory names, or being subject to threats and hate speech, these attacks aim to weaken their political standing and personal dignity.
Fadzai Mahere, a prominent politician in Zimbabwe, has become a target of relentless cyberbullying on social media, particularly on X. As a vocal advocate for change and justice, Mahere consistently faces derogatory remarks, personal attacks and misogynistic slurs aimed at discrediting her rather than addressing her political ideas and contributions. Instead of engaging in meaningful discourse or countering her policies with reasoned arguments, her critics resort to name-calling, demeaning her as a woman in power. This toxic online environment highlights the ongoing challenges women face in leadership roles, where their voices are often overshadowed by gendered harassment, undermining their credibility and silencing their calls for progress.
What’s particularly troubling is the gendered nature of these attacks. Women in politics are often targeted for their femininity, their bodies and their roles as wives or mothers, in ways that their male counterparts rarely face. This form of gendered cyberbullying reinforces societal norms that equate women’s value with their physical appearance rather than their intellect, experience or leadership skills.
The issue of cyberbullying against women in power is not confined to Zimbabwe alone. In the UK, Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips has publicly spoken out about the threats and harassment she’s faced, particularly at the hands of tech billionaire Elon Musk, who called her a “rape genocide apologist” and said she should be jailed. In an interview with BBC's Newsnight, Phillips explained how disinformation spread by Musk was “endangering” her, though she acknowledged that it was nothing compared to the suffering faced by victims of abuse.
Phillips, who fights for women’s rights and against violence towards women and girls, highlighted the psychological toll that such harassment can take. The threats to her safety have escalated, leading to a greater need for protection. Yet, Phillips’ response reveals a harsh reality for women who dare to step into the public eye, no matter their position or the causes they fight for, they are often reduced to their gender and subjected to disproportionate levels of online vitriol.
The parallel between Phillips’ experience and those of Zimbabwean female politicians is stark. Women, regardless of their background or political ideology, are routinely subjected to online attacks that aim to undermine their positions and intimidate them into silence. This form of digital harassment doesn’t just hurt the individual—it weakens democracy, as it silences women and diminishes the diversity of voices in politics.
The Need for Accountability and Change
The rise of cyberbullying and disinformation has profound implications for the participation of women in politics. As the experiences of Masarira, Valerio, Mahere, Phillips and others show, the digital space can be an arena where women are not only silenced but actively persecuted. This is not just an issue of individual harassment but a broader systemic problem that seeks to keep women out of power.
There is an urgent need for stronger policies and legal frameworks to protect women from online abuse. Social media platforms must take greater responsibility for the content posted on their sites, ensuring that harmful and misogynistic behavior is swiftly addressed. Women in power must be supported, not only by their political peers but also by society as a whole, to ensure they can participate in public life free from fear of harassment.
Moreover, media literacy campaigns should be launched to educate the public about the consequences of cyberbullying and disinformation. These campaigns should highlight the real-world impact that online harassment has on women’s mental health, safety, and ability to participate in politics.
Standing Up Against Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying against women in power is a pervasive issue that undermines democracy, limits women’s political participation and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The experiences of women in power demonstrate the urgent need for change. It is not enough to acknowledge the problem; we must actively work to create a safe and supportive environment for women in politics.
Women should be judged for their policies, their ideas, and their leadership, not their looks or their gender. It is time for societies around the world to stand up against cyberbullying and protect the women who fight for a better future for us all.
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