Online survey assesses hate speech aimed at female politicians

The speakers at the media round table: L-R: Lekan Otufodunrin, Yinka Shokunbi, Henry Adenigba's rep, Patience Obaulo, Stella Nwofia

Oseyiza Oogbodo Blog hereby brings to you the outcome of an online survey, Assessment of Gender Related Hate Speech on Women Political Leadership, carried out by the International Press Centre (IPC) Lagos, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED) with the funding support of Peace Tech Lab.

The survey’s outcome was officially presented to the media on August 29, 2018 at a Media Round Table on the Role of the Media in Combating Gender-Related Hate Speech Online through Objective and Conflict Sensitive Reporting.

Introduction

In Nigeria, women’s participation in political and social development processes continues to be hindered by gender-based hate speech and discriminatory utterances.

Social media platforms are being used as tools to foster discriminatory patriarchal views and perceptions about women’s roles in democratic governance.

Also, it had portrayed women as being unfit and incapable of assuming political leadership positions. This has resulted in shrinking political space for inclusive participation of women in political and governance structure.

Project on Combating Hate Speech Online

In order to ameliorate the situation for greater involvement of women in the electoral processes, The International Press Centre, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding and Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development got support from Peace Tech Exchange Nigeria to conduct online assessment of gender-related hate speech on women political leadership in  Nigeria in May 2018.

Objectives

The overall objective of the initiative is to advance and build public understanding, respect and support for girls and women as citizens who should not be discriminated against in functioning in the society via democratic, political, socio-economic and social development opportunities and integration.

The project began with a baseline survey and assessment on gender-related hate speech.

METHODOLOGY

In May 2018, a mini-survey questionnaire was posted online aimed at sampling opinion over the role gender-related hate speech play on the leadership position of women in the Nigerian political space. Fifteen (15) items were listed on the questionnaire to elicit responses from the respondents whose age bracket range from 18 to 41 years.

31 respondents participated in the survey and they comprise online journalists, bloggers and development workers.

61.3% of the respondents were male while 38.7% were female indicating that there were more males than females.

LIMITATION

The challenge faced includes slow response from journalists in filling the online survey questionnaire. Thus respondents were contacted on phone to respond.

The attendees of the round table

Assessment of Survey Questions and Outcomes

Question 1: On question of whether violence poses threat to women participation in electoral processes. Only 6 respondents answered the question all in affirmative “Yes” which implies that 100% of the respondents believe that violence poses a threat to women participation in electoral process.

Question 2: 67.7 per cent of the respondents believe that the level of education of women play a significant role on how much women are empowered in the Nigerian political process. This number is significant because it shows the key role education plays in women’s participation in political leadership.

Question 3: This question bothers around the role of religion and culture in having women in the civil service, particularly in appointive positions. 87.1 per cent of the respondents believe that this is a significant factor.

Question 4: This question relates to the marital status of women. From the responses, it appears that a little more than half of the respondents said Yes (51.6 per cent). Only 16.1 per cent responded “No” and the remaining 33.3 per cent were not sure. What is most intriguing about these responses is the number of people who categorically said “Yes.” It indicates that respondents believe single women are stigmatized for holding elective position. 

Question 5: Sexual harassment was the focus of this question. 32.3% respondents believe women seeking political position are often sexually harassed, 16.1% responded in the negative, 25.8% said maybe, 22.6% said they don’t know, 16.1% while 3.2% responded that it does happen as women often mention it as part of the challenges they have. The high percentage in sexual harassment implies sexual harassment is a prevailing hindrance to women’s participation in political processes.

Question 6: This question relates to divorce or threat of being ostracized. 41.9 per cent responded in the affirmative, 16.1% said No, 25.8% were not sure while 9.7% said they did not know. The remaining percentages of the respondents believe respectively that a strong woman would not allow threat and the rest believe it does happen in some cases.

Question 7: This question captures the issue of finance. Interestingly 96.8 per cent of the respondents think that lack of finance is a huge factor based on their responses.

Question 8: Regarding the impact of the social media, the respondents believe that these platforms are not as significant as 51.6 per cent of the respondents said “No”.

Question 9: On the aspect of political representation of women, 67.7%respondents believe women are often relegated to the background while 9.7% responded in the negative.

Question 10: Most of the respondents (54.8%) thought that the social media portray women in negative light while 35.7% said No. The affirmative response of the majority indicates social media is a readily available tool to propagate hate speech against women.

Question 11: Expected respondents to give reasons for their choice in Question 10. As expected, the respondents gave reasons that largely reflected their choice of Yes. 

Question 12: Respondents were expected to give examples of the kind of “negative portrayal” of women in the social media that impedes women leadership capability and indeed their examples are diverse. Respondents said women are weak economically, they are culturally confined to the kitchen, born to support man’s vision, are sexual toys and are less educated.

Similarly, in Question 13, respondents gave examples of some of the stereotypes or statements that affect women’s participation in politics. Responses align with the questions above (i.e. 11, 12 and 13).

Question 14 required the respondents to suggest other obstacle they believe poses a serious hindrance to women participation in politics. Among the numerous responses given, one suggested that women should be given “special cover” in order to encourage their participation in politics.

Question 15: This was a close-ended question which expects respondents to generate a “Yes” or “No” response for themselves, provided they give reason(s) to support their answer. Interestingly though, every single one of the respondents believe that women ought to be encouraged to take more political leadership role in Nigeria.

In summary

It is clear that the issue of women participation in politics and assumption of leadership role in the Nigerian political environment is one that is pertinent. In all, the items in the questionnaire were answered in the affirmative giving the impression that women are not positively portrayed in the social media.

This implies therefore that the current political environment in Nigeria does not quite encourage women’s participation in political leadership. Bearing in mind that this is a mini-survey one will still note that a lot needs to be done in order to change the current narrative.

What next?

Recommendations

Introduction of quota system at all levels of government; relevant stakeholders and political parties should be engaged to ensure strict adherence.

Women’s advocacy groups should be supported through social media and other media platforms. Also, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media and grassroots women associations should increase advocacy for women’s participation in political leadership positions.

Government should create an enabling environment for women to participate meaningfully in decision making processes. The political environment should be free of violence, political thugs and harassment. This will ensure women’s participation in politics especially if it is effective and sustainable.

Political parties should support prospective female aspirants by pairing them with established women politicians who will serve as mentors for them. This will enable them build their capacity for political processes ahead of elections.

Conclusion

Women participation in political leadership and politics in Nigeria is an issue of importance. Politically, Women have been relegated to the background, despite the tremendous effort put forward by Civil Society Organizations and other relevant stakeholders following the declaration of the National Gender policy (NGP) 2006 recommendation of 35% affirmative action for a more inclusive representation of women both in elective and appointive positions.

It is obvious that Nigerian women are sidelined due to the political atmosphere and style of leadership in the country.

Today, we make a call to all relevant stakeholders to make laudable contributions towards promoting women’s political participation in the upcoming elections in Nigeria.