ROUNDCHECK covered the session as part of its commitment to promoting informed civic engagement, strengthening democratic participation, and spotlighting issues that shape public discourse. As an organisation working to combat misinformation and support credible information ecosystems, ROUNDCHECK recognises that inclusive participation in governance is critical to building a healthy democracy.

At the heart of the discussion was a growing concern that many women who choose to participate in politics, governance, and public advocacy are increasingly becoming targets of political intimidation, online harassment, gender-based attacks, and coordinated digital violence.

Speakers argued that these challenges go beyond individual experiences. They warned that when women are discouraged from participating in public life, democracy itself suffers. The exclusion of women from political processes limits diversity in decision-making, weakens representation, and reduces the range of perspectives needed to address complex national challenges.

Participants noted that while conversations around gender inclusion have gained momentum over the years, many women continue to encounter significant challenges when seeking leadership positions or expressing political opinions. These barriers often manifest through threats, cyberbullying, misinformation campaigns, character assassination, and social pressures aimed at silencing female voices.

The discussion also explored the intersection between misinformation, digital platforms, and political participation. Experts highlighted how false narratives, manipulated content, and coordinated online attacks are increasingly used to undermine women in public spaces. Such tactics not only damage reputations but also create an atmosphere of fear that discourages meaningful civic engagement.

For ROUNDCHECK, these concerns reflect broader issues within Nigeria’s information and democratic landscape. Disinformation and online abuse do not merely affect individuals; they erode public trust, distort democratic conversations, and restrict the ability of citizens to participate freely in governance. When misinformation is weaponised against specific groups, particularly women, the result is a less inclusive and less representative democracy.

Participants further stressed that Nigeria’s development challenges cannot be divorced from questions of inclusion and representation. According to discussants, sustainable development requires the active involvement of all segments of society. A political system that fails to create safe and equitable opportunities for women to participate risks overlooking critical perspectives on governance, education, healthcare, economic growth, and social welfare.

Several speakers called for stronger institutional protections against digital violence, improved accountability from technology platforms, greater support for women seeking public office, and sustained civic education efforts to challenge harmful stereotypes and discriminatory practices.

The session also served as a reminder that civic participation often comes with personal sacrifice. However, participants maintained that no citizen should have to endure harassment, intimidation, or violence simply for exercising their democratic rights. Rather than accepting these challenges as normal, stakeholders argued that collective action is needed to make political participation safer and more accessible.

As CAUSTIVAL 2026 concluded, a recurring message emerged from the conversation, which is that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on its ability to create a political environment where every citizen can participate freely and safely. Addressing violence against women in politics is therefore not only a gender issue but a democratic imperative.