Women in politics frequently have to prove themselves as more competent than average, while also facing disproportionate criticism if they make mistakes.” - Amalia Alvarez-Benjumea

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Amalia Alvarez-Benjumea is a Ramón y Cajal Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Goods and Policies at the Spanish National Research Council. Her research explores the emergence and evolution of social norms, particularly the impact of social feedback and contextual information on norm perception and conformity. Amalia Alvarez-Benjumea joined a two-day Expert Group Meeting organized by UN Women to address one of the most persistent barriers to gender equality in political and public life: discriminatory social norms. The event held on 4 and 5 February 2025, brought together feminist scholars, policymakers, activists, and practitioners to chart a path forward for transforming social norms and ensuring women’s full and effective political participation. This experts’ meeting was organized under the WYDE | Women’s Leadership, funded by the European Union, which is a collaborative global effort aimed at advancing women’s full and effective political participation and decision-making at all levels, especially those most often left furthest behind.

1. How do social norms shape the way we view women in politics?

This is a complex issue because social norms are part of broader cultural frameworks that include expectations, roles, and stereotypes. Unfortunately, gender norms and stereotypes often work against women in politics. There is a deeply rooted belief that women belong in the domestic sphere rather than the public one, or that they are not well-suited for positions of power, management and leadership.

Meanwhile, stereotypes about men tend to reinforce the idea that they are “naturally fit” for leadership roles, they are expected to excel in positions of power and be comfortable with decision-making authority. This contrast creates an uneven playing field, making it significantly harder for women to enter and succeed in politics.

Beyond that, when individuals step outside of societal expectations, they are often scrutinized and judged more harshly. Women in politics frequently have to prove themselves as more competent than average, while also facing disproportionate criticism if they make mistakes.

2. What are some of the biggest barriers women face when stepping into leadership roles, and how can they be addressed?

There are both material and societal barriers. Gender norms dictate that women should prioritize caregiving and domestic responsibilities such as taking care of the children, which directly impacts the time and resources they can dedicate to politics. The reality is that women often have fewer hours available for political engagement compared to their male counterparts.

Beyond time constraints, women in politics also face intense backlash, especially online. My research has shown that female politicians and activists, especially those involved in feminist movements, are frequent targets of harassment and hate speech on digital platforms. This hostility discourages women from fully utilizing online spaces for political engagement, limiting their ability to express opinions freely and harnessing the potential of digital platforms for political outreach.

To address these barriers, we need both systemic changes—such as policies supporting work-life balance and political representation quotas—and cultural shifts that challenge harmful stereotypes and normalize women’s leadership. Online harassment must also be tackled through platform regulations that are better designed and drawing from evidence, as well as stronger support networks for women in public life.

3. What lessons can we draw from your research to reduce sexism and biases in political and online spaces?

While not everyone actively confronts gender-based hate speech, there is always a segment of people who push back against it. Encouraging this kind of intervention is essential and has a very positive effect actually.

When individuals counteract sexist remarks, stereotypical statements such as “you belong in the kitchen”, whether online or in public discourse, they help reset societal norms. If someone publicly challenges statements like, “women don’t belong in politics,” it signals to bystanders and observers that this perspective isn’t universally accepted and should not be the norm. It reinforces the idea that women have every right to participate in political spaces and increases the likelihood of other bystanders to intervene as well. Creating and promoting these counter-narratives is a crucial strategy in dismantling biases and reducing discrimination. The more people speak up against sexism, the more we normalize gender equality in leadership.

4. How do intersecting identities—such as race, ethnicity, age, or disability—affect women’s experiences in political spaces?

Intersectionality plays a major role in shaping women’s experiences. A woman in politics is not just navigating gender norms—she is also navigating additional layers of stereotypes based on other aspects of her identity.

For instance, women from marginalized racial or ethnic groups, younger women, or women with disabilities often face compounded biases. If a woman also belongs to the LGBTQ+ community, she may be perceived as “deviating” from traditional gender expectations in multiple ways, making her even more vulnerable to scrutiny and discrimination.

These overlapping biases create unique challenges that require intersectional solutions. Representation matters—not just for women in general, but for diverse women from different backgrounds.

5. What advice would you give to young women entering politics, particularly regarding online harassment?

Despite the challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic. My advice would be: build a strong support network or a reference group. Identify the people you can rely on, whether it’s colleagues, mentors, or allies who share your values and who can create narratives that you can use when facing this sort of hatred.

Also, develop a set of prepared responses for moments when you face harassment or pushback. Having a “toolkit” of responses can help you navigate difficult interactions, online or in person. At the same time, make sure you have people who can step in to defend you when needed. The reality is that online harassment is a major issue, but by preparing for it and surrounding yourself with a reliable support system, you can focus on making an impact rather than constantly being on the defensive.