If we want to support women in public service and encourage women to run for office, we need policies that provide safety. https://twitter.com/safetypindaily/status/1339417544227237888

There is a lot of academic research on the topic of gendered harassment, bullying and violence against women who serve the public or who are elected officials, yet not enough is being done to protect civil servants and their families.

Incidents like the one that happened with the @CDHidaho meeting are far too common, even in Boise, Idaho, where @boisemayor and @lisaforboise have been victims of gendered harassment, cyber bullying, protests at their private residences and even death threats sent to them.

“The evidence is clear — politics, as it is practiced today, is not a female friendly environment. This means that while technically the playing field is level, in reality women operate at a disadvantage compared to men,” @CCriadoPerez

“Working in the context of such extreme psychological warfare inevitably affects women’s ability to do their jobs. Many women told @IPUparliament that they had restricted their travel, made sure they were home before nightfall, or only traveled when accompanied.” @CCriadoPerez

“ Others self-sensor, particularly when it comes to speaking up about women’s issues, which tend to generate the most aggression, some going as far as to dispensing with social media all together, deprive themselves of a forum to disseminate and debate their ideas.” @CCriadoPerez

Municipalities must enact specific ordinances to protect public servants. Stalking, threats of violence and intimidation at private family homes, cyber bullying, are damaging to those in public service. Their safety, well-being will positively impact the communities they serve.