Violence against women in politics (VAWP) is a widespread and systemic challenge that undermines women’s full and equal participation in political life, weakens democratic institutions, and erodes public trust. As women’s political representation has increased, so too have gender‑based attacks targeting women parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, including psychological, sexual, economic, physical, and increasingly technology‑facilitated forms of violence. Despite growing recognition of the problem, institutional responses remain uneven, fragmented, and insufficiently documented, particularly within parliamentary settings.

This knowledge product explores how parliaments can prevent, address, and respond to VAWP through effective institutional measures. Jointly developed by the United Nations Development Programme and the Inter‑Parliamentary Union, the publication presents an analysis of existing parliamentary approaches alongside concrete examples of good practice from diverse political and institutional contexts. It highlights measures such as internal regulations and codes of conduct, complaints and accountability mechanisms, dedicated support services, legislative reforms, and broader efforts to foster safe and inclusive parliamentary workplaces.

The publication is designed as a practical resource for parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, and development practitioners supporting parliamentary strengthening efforts. Rather than prescribing a single model, it offers a structured menu of policy and institutional options that can be adapted to different mandates, capacities, and political realities. By documenting what has worked, where gaps persist, and how reforms have been implemented in practice, the resource aims to support context‑appropriate, politically feasible, and sustainable responses to VAWP, contributing to more inclusive, resilient, and gender‑responsive democratic institutions worldwide.