Is the Internet blocking the most respected political space for women?

With the appointment of Harinya Amasuriya as Sri Lanka's second Prime Minister, the role of women in Sri Lankan politics has received increased attention. As a woman from a left-wing party, the allegations made against Harinya Amasuriya can be seen as an insult not only to her but to the entire female community. 

Political harassment is more common in third world countries than discussions of political policies. The first accusation made after Harinya Amasuriya was sworn in as Prime Minister was that she was not a proper Sri Lankan woman. This was an accusation made by a presidential candidate against a woman. No matter how strong the reasons he had for making such an accusation, is it not a challenge to femininity in a moral political space?  

Similarly, women in politics are accused of shocking positive initiatives or destroying our culture, and they are constantly portrayed negatively on social media. Often, women in politics are portrayed in a very low status (likened to animals and lowly professions) through social media, showing how low humanity has fallen. It is politically justified and represents dehumanization.

Furthermore, violent hate speech and incitement, including physical and sexual harassment, targeting women in politics is being perpetrated online, and ample examples of this can be found in the Facebook comment sections of female political figures. Isn’t democracy and gender equality being undermined in all these ways? 

Ask yourself, should Sri Lankan women be disrespected for holding their own political views in a country that embraces democracy?