Can AI Save Women in Politics or Will It Work Against Them?

Author:

Annelies Coessens - Policy Officer at the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) & Gender Equality Advocate

Abstract

Women in politics have historically faced systemic barriers, from social bias to persistent inequities. As digital technologies become more prominent, an ominous new problem arises: technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

Given how gender-based inequality is a vital topic within digital policy discussions, understanding how cyber abuse negatively shapes women's civic involvement remains critical. Concurrently, technology offers opportunities to female politicians, enabling them to fight against bias, grow their presence, and increase their engagement.

This article examines technology's dual nature, noting both risks and opportunities while addressing bias within Artificial Intelligence (AI) and society.

The Rise of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

TFGBV includes several types of online harassment, such as cyberstalking, doxxing, “deepfake” attacks, and disinformation campaigns. Women in politics are disproportionately targeted, facing multiple threats aimed at deterring them from public office and digital platforms.

Numerous studies indicate that women in politics experience more online abuse than their male counterparts; factors such as race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation often exacerbate such attacks.

This pervasive violence has a grave effect, deterring women from political discourse while curbing their freedom to openly and safely campaign. This digital form of sexism poses a true threat to democracy, suppressing voices that are essential for diverse representation in government.

AI as a Double-Edged Sword: Bias and Opportunity

AI plays a central role in shaping online political spaces.

On one hand, AI-powered algorithms amplify harmful content, reinforce gender stereotypes, and facilitate the spread of misogynistic rhetoric. Studies of algorithmic bias indicate that AI systems trained with historically skewed data frequently replicate these biases, yielding underrepresentation of women and unequal visibility in politics.

Still, AI can also be leveraged for progress. For female politicians, AI-driven analytics can help counter disinformation and monitor online threats while also improving voter engagement. Additionally, AI-powered content moderation can be enhanced to detect and remove abusive comments, creating safer online spaces.

The key is ensuring AI systems are designed with fairness and inclusivity, avoiding the reinforcement of existing social biases.

Societal Bias and Its Impact on Women in Politics

Beyond AI bias, social norms continue to shape how women in politics are treated both online and offline. Historically, women in leadership have been subjected to harsher scrutiny, often judged based on appearance, tone, or "likability"; rather than their policies or expertise.

These biases readily transfer into political spaces, affecting elections and broader policy influence.

Women are frequently held to double standards, expected to balance strength with warmth in ways that male politicians are not. These challenges stem from deeply ingrained gender stereotypes, which obstruct women’s progress in political leadership.

Advocacy for gender-responsive political frameworks, media accountability, and equitable electoral processes is crucial for challenging these biases and ensuring fair representation.

Digital Bias: AI and Online Discrimination

Digital bias manifests in multiple ways through AI and online platforms, perpetuating gender-based inequalities. If AI developers and social media platforms fail to account for gender disparities, the digital world will continue to mirror offline inequalities. Algorithms often prioritize sensational or divisive content, leading to the amplification of misogynistic comments and targeted harassment of female politicians.

AI bias also affects automated content moderation; systems may fail to detect gendered abuse or disproportionately penalize women’s speech. To combat digital bias, AI governance must be transparent, gender-sensitive policies should be integrated into digital regulations, and tech firms must be held accountable for algorithmic discrimination.

Using technology to one's advantage

Even though TFGBV poses serious challenges, female politicians can strategically harness technology to enhance their political influence. Some key strategies include:

1. Leveraging AI-driven analysis

AI can help politicians monitor public sentiment, quickly identify harmful narratives, and develop fact-based responses to misinformation campaigns.

2. Strengthening digital security

Implementing cybersecurity measures, such as two-factor authentication and encrypted communication tools, can offer greater protection against online threats.

3. Engaging with supportive networks

Women politicians should collaborate with organisations specializing in digital rights, gender equality, and online safety to develop effective counter-strategies against TFGBV.

4. Advocating for ethical and inclusive AI development

Supporting policies that address AI bias and promote inclusive algorithm design ensures that technology strengthens democracy rather than undermining it.

5. Using AI for personal development

AI can serve as a personal mentor, helping women politicians rehearse speeches, prepare for debates, and refine their communication skills, which can ultimately boost their confidence and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Technology is not inherently good or bad, it is just shaped by its creators and regulators and, while TFGBV violence remains a major obstacle for women in politics, it is not insurmountable.

By recognising the dual nature of digital tools, supporting fair AI regulations, and strategically leveraging technology for social progress, women politicians can navigate the digital landscape with strength and resilience. Addressing both societal and digital biases is essential to ensuring that technology acts as a force for democratic inclusion rather than exclusion.

References

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Retrieved from: https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/the-world-today/2021-10/tackling-online-abuse-against-women-politicians

Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS), 2024. “Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence”.

Retrieved from: https://giwps.georgetown.edu/resource/technology-facilitated-gender-based-violence/

Mischke J., 2019. “Merkel: Clothing criticism reveals double standards”. POLITICO.

Retrieved from: https://www.politico.eu/article/german-chancellor-angela-merkel-clothing-criticism-reveals-double-standards/

Morgen L., 2024. “Deepfake technology is a threat to all women - not just celebrities”. Glamour.

Retrieved from: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/deepfake-women-risk-social-media

King’s College London, 2025. “Women politicians face ‘double burden’ of online toxicity”.

Retrieved from: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/women-politicians-face-double-burden-of-online-toxicity

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UNESCO, 2024. “Generative AI: UNESCO study reveals alarming evidence of regressive gender stereotypes”.

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Biography of the Guest Expert

Annelies holds an MSt in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Oxford (UK); an MSc in Development and International Relations with a specialization in Global Gender Studies from Aalborg University (Denmark); and a BA in Political Science with a minor in Women's Studies from Concordia University (Canada).

Her previous professional experiences include roles at the European Commission; the ONE Campaign; Women Political Leaders, and the Europe External Programme with Africa. Her responsibilities ranged from policy research to campaign management, Advocacy, and event coordination.

Annelies has received specialized training in gender audits and action plans from OSCE/ODIHR and was awarded the UNODA-OSCE Scholarship for Peace and Security. She has published articles on topics related to gender equality, diplomacy, and peacebuilding in platforms such as ALiGN and the Young European Leadership Magazine.

Currently, she is a policy officer specializing in gender equality, diversity, and migration and she works at the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) in Brussels, where she monitors policy developments, coordinates expert groups, and engages with European institutions. Her work includes Advocacy and research, authoring studies and works concerning the role of women in politics and diplomacy.