In their publication An Early Leak in the Pipeline – Online Abuse as a Barrier for Young Women’s Political Engagement, published in the Journal of Women, Politics & Policy, our researchers Daniel Höhmann and Stefanie Bailer, together with Tomoko Latteier, investigate how gendered online harassment undermines young women’s political participation.

Based on a survey among members of Swiss youth parties, the study shows that young women are disproportionately targeted with gender-based attacks, perceive online abuse more often as an obstacle to their political work, and are more likely to withdraw from politics altogether. This results in an “early leak in the pipeline,” reducing the number of potential female candidates and perpetuating women’s underrepresentation in politics.

The findings underline that digital violence not only causes personal harm but also threatens democratic representation – pointing to the need for parties and institutions to provide targeted support and protection.

👉 Read the full article here: Taylor & Francis Online.