#MeToo meets legislation: Uncovering gender-based violence in Canadian politics
Where Canada positions itself as a global leader in gender equity and advocacy, a deeper truth lurks behind the veil of Canadian politics. The reality of sexism, harassment and gender-based violence continues to severely impact law-making and the lived reality for women in politics, particularly marginalized and racialized women. Professor Tracey Raney’s co-edited book, Gender-Based Violence in Canadian Politics in the #MeToo Era (2024) (external link) , seeks to address the issue and offer recommendations for change.
Front cover, Gender-Based Violence in Canadian Politics in the #MeToo Era
As a professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration, Raney’s research focuses on Canadian politics, representation and leadership, sub-national political identities in Canada, women’s political representation, gender-based violence in politics, and sexual misconduct in legislatures. Raney’s research is supported by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Foundation (external link) .
The book’s research focuses on gender-based violence, discrimination, anti-Blackness and anti-Indigenous sentiments in Canadian politics as a critical gap in need of further exploration and action. The research is situated within the broader context of the #MeToo movement while offering greater insight into the intersectional issues that threaten Canadian democracy.
The MeToo (external link) movement began in 2006 by activist and survivor Tarana Burke (external link) . A Black-led movement focused on advocacy and providing resources, support, and healing for victims of sexual violence bourgeoned into a global phenomenon when #MeToo gained traction on the internet by survivors everywhere. In Canadian politics, Raney sees the movement as vital connective tissue between survivors, encouraging women to share their experiences and empowering others to come forward.
“As a country in the global North, there is a false assumption that Canada is an international leader on gender equality and democratic rights,” Raney explains, “and while this may be true in some respects, in other regards, it is far from the case.” The research contributions in the book span from identifying how intergenerational trauma and colonialism contribute to the victimization of Indigenous women leaders to examining how racialized and 2SLGBTQQIA+ politicians are disproportionately targeted by political violence. The book also delves into legislation, examining where policies need further reinforcement to protect politicians and encourage those victimized to report harassment.
“Many brave women have shared their stories about the harassment and threats they’ve experienced being involved in politics. When women speak out and share their experiences of violence, it empowers others to do the same.”
#Metoo banner. Jerry Finley/Wikimedia Commons (recoloured).
While addressing critical disparities and providing crucial recommendations to policymakers, advocates and academics, Raney's research will also offer students in her upper-level course, POG 442: Women and Comparative Politics, the essential theoretical frameworks to address real-world issues. When asked how Gender-Based Violence in Canadian Politics (external link) might be integrated into her curriculum, Raney shared some interactive assignments requiring students to approach political topics with a critical lens. These include an intersectional examination of Vice-President Kamala Harris’s campaign and a policy briefing assignment aimed at “giving students the opportunity to think creatively and apply their problem-solving skills to a serious political issue today.”
Raney’s research also reflects the core values of the interdisciplinary Women in the House program. “One of the course goals is to develop a network of women-identified community and political leaders who offer guidance and mentorship to our students,” says Raney. “The course is intended to provide students with the skills they need to navigate male-dominated careers, this includes changing who participates in politics.”
Where gender-based violence continues to be a complex issue entangled in the Canadian political system, fostering empathy, upholding accountability, and implementing effective policy remain vital. “As we enter the next federal election cycle in Canada,” says Raney, “intersectional solutions that address political violence are urgently needed.”