What can be done about abuse directed at female politicians?

New Zealand is facing up to the abuse and misogyny faced by politicians.  

In the wake of Jacinda Ardern’s shock resignation as Prime Minister in January, many commentators and analysts have pointed to the online abuse she faced during her five and a half years in office.  

Ardern didn’t specifically cite the abuse as a reason for resigning, but data released in the days after her announcement showed up to 93 percent of abuse aimed at politicians was sent in her direction.

So why do female politicians face such vitriol, and can anything be done to ensure women aren’t discouraged from entering into politics?

Today, Massey University, School of Management, senior lecturer Suze Wilson walks us through the darker side of being a female leader in New Zealand.

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