ACTivate - Is Violent Online Abuse of Female Politicians Damaging Democracy? Listen to Dr Cassandra Mudgway from the University of Canterbury talk about "Polls and Trolls" and Why NZ Needs Urgent Legal Reform to Protect Women in Politics.

It's White Ribbon Day this month and election year is looming, so what better way to stand up against violence towards women by listening to this engaging conversation on harmful online misogyny. Canterbury University’s Senior Law lecturer, Dr Cassandra Mudgway, explains how violent gender-based online abuse significantly harms female politicians. It changes the way they campaign, how they avoid speaking about publically about hot-button topics and affects the time they remain in politics. New Zealand needs a tougher response and Dr Mudgway recommends an online safety regulator with enforcement powers, regulating tech companies and codes of conduct around elections. This podcase is an action prompt to pick up a pen and write to local MPs about reforming the law.