Increasing hate, threats, and harassment against female politicians are deterring women from public life and leading them to censor themselves, according to Sweden’s equality agency, which warns this poses a “major threat to democracy.”
Women’s safety in politics has faced greater scrutiny in Sweden since October, when Anna-Karin Hatt stepped down as leader of the Centre party after just five months, citing hate and threats. “To constantly feel like you need to look over your shoulder and not feel completely safe, even at home… it affects me much more deeply than I thought,” she said at the time.
Hatt’s resignation came three years after a man was convicted of murdering Ing-Marie Wieselgren, a psychiatry coordinator, and of plotting to kill then Centre party leader Annie Lööf at a democracy festival on Gotland. Lööf expressed understanding for Hatt’s decision, stating, “I also understand the reality she describes… I know how it feels.”
Public figures and researchers in Sweden note that the political climate, both in Sweden and elsewhere, has grown more hostile and polarized in recent years. This, they say, is stifling public debate and influencing legislation.
Line Säll, a head of unit at the Swedish Gender Equality Agency, observed that this environment is “scaring away many groups” and causing women to “think twice” about political involvement. She added that it undermines gender equality goals, as women should have equal power and influence in society.
Säll noted that many women, especially younger ones, feel “enormously vulnerable” in public roles, affecting their work and personal lives. “It’s a very big threat to democracy,” she emphasized.
The pressure is driving some out of politics altogether. “We see a much higher proportion of young women resigning from local political office, which shows the consequences of self-censorship and withdrawing from public life,” Säll explained.
While Sweden is often seen as a global leader in gender equality and prides itself on strong free speech protections, statistics reveal a different reality for politicians. According to a 2025 security survey by the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention, 26.3% of female elected representatives reported threats or harassment due to their position, compared to 23.6% of men.
The gender gap was even wider regarding feelings of vulnerability, with 32.7% of women reporting such feelings versus 24% of men. Politicians from foreign backgrounds also felt more vulnerable, at 31.5%, compared to 24.1% of those from Swedish backgrounds.
The most common response to these threats was limiting social media activity, followed by avoiding involvement or staying silent on certain issues.
Säll stressed that addressing this silencing effect requires “clear political focus from everyone who values democracy.” Sandra Håkansson, a researcher at Uppsala University specializing in gender, politics, and political violence, added that many politicians, especially women, avoid discussing high-risk topics, which has a chilling effect on public debate and ultimately undermines democratic processes.She highlighted immigration policy as an example, noting that positions once considered far-right have now become mainstream.
“This is a policy area many Swedes consider very important,” she said. “Women and men’s views tend to differ slightly. Women are more open to receiving refugees, while men are more critical. But women are quieter in this debate. That may be one reason we don’t see more diverse perspectives.”
Håkansson added that debate is crucial for shaping policy, and when women are too afraid to speak, that debate narrows. “Violence is setting the boundaries of public discussion,” she said.
She described hate and threats as an “occupational hazard” for female politicians and said Hatt’s resignation “raises serious concerns.”
Swedish transparency laws mean most citizens’ addresses and personal details are publicly available online. Gangs have used this information to carry out deadly bombings at homes across the country, which Håkansson said has heightened politicians’ sense of vulnerability.
Amineh Kakabaveh, a former Swedish MP of Iranian Kurdish descent who has previously received police protection due to threats against her life, said the growing influence of social media and a “harsher, more hostile” political climate in Sweden are central to the problem.
“Within the power structures, there are parties like the [far-right] Sweden Democrats, who to some extent promote traditional values rooted in a historically male-dominated culture. They are also largely represented by men,” she said.
She added that while not every female politician is targeted, “every single woman who is threatened represents a democratic deficit and an obstacle to the gender equality Sweden has fought for over many years.”
Kakabaveh said that as a woman with a foreign background, she faces attacks on multiple fronts—including racist abuse, threats from Islamists, and threats from foreign states. “I live with this reality today,” she said. “But the most important thing is that we do not allow ourselves to be silenced.”
Nina Larsson, Sweden’s Minister for Gender Equality, stated: “When women are scared away from politics or silenced, both democracy and free debate suffer.”
Calling for a “clear culture change” in online behavior, she added: “A big part of the problem is that we have for far too long accepted abuse in digital spaces.” She also urged social media companies to take “greater responsibility for stopping hate and threats.”
“The government has taken action, including by strengthening protection for elected officials,” she said. “But more must be done—especially to protect women, who are more vulnerable than men.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the report from Swedens Equality Agency on rising hate driving women out of public life
Beginner Definition Questions
1 What exactly did Swedens Equality Agency report say
The agency reported a significant increase in hate threats and harassment directed at women who are active in public lifelike politicians journalists and activists This abuse is making some women withdraw from public roles or limit their visibility for their own safety
2 What does public life mean in this context
It refers to roles where a persons work or opinions are visible to the public This includes elected officials journalists writers researchers human rights defenders and activists who speak out on social media or in the media
3 Is this just about online hate
No While a huge amount of the abuse happens online it often spills over into real life This includes threats of physical violence harassment at home or work and vandalism creating an environment of fear
4 Who is targeting these women
The report indicates the abuse comes from various sources including extremist groups ideological opponents and anonymous individuals online Women who speak on certain topicslike migration gender equality or criticizing extremist ideologiesare often singled out
Causes Impact Questions
5 Why is this happening in Sweden specifically
Sweden has a strong tradition of gender equality and open public debate Experts suggest that women in visible roles challenging traditional power structures or speaking on polarized issues become lightning rods for backlash from those opposed to progressive values
6 What kind of hate are we talking about
It ranges from sexist insults and demeaning comments to severe threats of rape murder and violence against them or their families The abuse is often deeply personal and designed to intimidate and silence
7 How is this driving women out of public life
The constant stress and fear for personal safety lead to serious consequences some women quit their public roles avoid speaking on certain topics withdraw from social media hire security or even move homes This deprives society of diverse voices and expertise
8 Does this affect all women equally
No Women of color women with migrant backgrounds and those who are religious often face intersecting layers of hatecomb
