The High Cost of Women’s Leadership: Violence Against Women in Politics 

“VAW-P damages the political profiles of women, ultimately their success - not only those on the ballot and in political office but also voters, electoral officials, civil society activists - fundamentally all those who are involved in political and public life.“
Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, Senior Country Director, NDI Kosovo
To achieve a democracy that truly serves all citizens, it is imperative to establish an environment where everyone can freely participate in political and civic life without the specter of repression, backlash, discrimination, or violence. Regrettably, this environment remains elusive for women involved in political and public affairs. The escalating threat of violence against women in politics (VAW-P) poses a significant challenge to democracy by marginalizing women from various political roles, and discouraging their participation as civic leaders, activists, voters, political party members, candidates, elected representatives, appointed officials, or election administrators, solely based on their gender.
NDI is committed to raising awareness and ending violence against women in politics (VAW-P), which NDI research shows is a key driver of women’s withdrawal from online political discourse, and discourages them from joining public and political life.
Hence, NDI supported the production of a documentary titled “The High Cost of Women’s Leadership: Violence Against Women in Politics.” The documentary was launched March 15-16, durng the opening conference of NDI's Week of Women 2023 , showcasing this form of violence facing women in political and public life in Kosovo."
Notably, Kosovo is among the few countries to have introduced draft legislation criminalizing violence against women in politics. Article 248/A of the Draft Law on Amending and Supplementing the Criminal Code No. 06/L-074 of the Republic of Kosovo assesses fines and imprisonment for between six months and three years for individuals who directly or indirectly intimidate or force either women in public functions or women candidates to act against their will In the documentary, the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, addresses this draft legislation adding that women who are already involved in politics must serve as an example of addressing cases of violence.
“I would have been very pleased if this law had been in force at the time when I was the President because I acted in full isolation and in a considerable legal vacuum(…).”
Atifete Jahjaga, Former President of the Republic of Kosovo
The video was made possible by NDI Kosovo through the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).