Meeting

Virtual Roundtable: Addressing Threats to Women Political Leaders

Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Speakers
Sigrid Kaag

First Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Netherlands

Rose E. Gottemoeller

Frank E. and Arthur W. Payne Distinguished Lecturer, Stanford University

Presider
Linda Robinson

Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy, Council on Foreign Relations

from Women and Foreign Policy Program and Women’s Political Leadership

Rising threats and online abuse affect political officials at the highest levels in many countries; studies have documented that women politicians are disproportionately targeted. Sigrid Kaag, deputy prime minister of the Netherlands and leader of the D66 party, recently announced her resignation from Dutch politics after several years of such threats. Minister Kaag and Rose Gottemoeller, former deputy secretary general of NATO, discussed threats to women politicians and the growing phenomenon of toxic politics and how to address these issues.

Explore More on Women and Women's Rights

Women and Women's Rights

Women’s Power Index
Find out where women around the world wield political power—and why it matters.

by Linda Robinson and Noël James April 1, 2025 Women and Foreign Policy Program

Women and Women's Rights

Abortion Law: Global Comparisons
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed the constitutional right to abortion for almost fifty years. How does regulation of abortion in the United States compare to that in the rest of the world?

by Women and Foreign Policy Program Staff March 7, 2024 Women and Foreign Policy Program

Women and Women's Rights

Artificial Intelligence Enters the Political Arena
Politics is one of the latest industries shaken up by AI, the use of artificially generated content in campaigns could spell trouble for candidates and voters alike in the fight against mis- and disinformation.    

by Catherine Powell and Alexandra Dent May 24, 2023 Women Around the World

Top Stories on CFR

United States

Assessing the Effect of the U.S. Strikes on Iran
As the dust settles over the American missile and bomb craters in Iran, questions are already swirling about the success of the U.S. operation and the ripple effect it could have on the region and beyond.

by Michael Froman June 27, 2025

Thailand

The Last Days of Thailand’s Shinawatra Dynasty
The outcome a no-confidence vote planned in parliament this week in Thailand may represent a fundamental reconfiguration of its political order.

by Joshua Kurlantzick and Pavin Chachavalpongpun June 30, 2025 Asia Unbound

United States

What Is Birthright Citizenship and Could the Supreme Court End It?
The Trump administration’s efforts to nullify birthright citizenship for millions of U.S.-born children could overturn a nearly 160-year legal precedent.

by Diana Roy June 30, 2025