The persistent online ridicule of women leaders reflects a dangerous culture of sexism that undermines both democracy and effective governance.
A striking example is the treatment of Millicent Amankwaa Yeboah, Member of Parliament for Sunyani West, who has been subjected to relentless mockery and social media bullying every time she speaks on the floor of Parliament.
Even minor misstatements or slips of the tongue are magnified and weaponized against her, reducing her contributions to objects of ridicule rather than engaging with the substance of her ideas. This pattern is not merely an individual attack; it reflects a broader societal bias where women in leadership are held to harsher scrutiny and punished for errors that might be overlooked in their male counterparts.
Social media, while a powerful platform for public engagement, has increasingly become a venue for gendered harassment. The constant vilification of women like Millicent Amankwaa Yeboah discourages young women from participating in politics and public discourse, reinforces harmful stereotypes, and shifts focus away from policy discussions to personal attacks.
Condemning this behavior is not about shielding women from accountability but demanding that public debate be conducted with fairness, respect, and focus on ideas rather than gender. Slips of speech, moments of hesitation, or differing viewpoints should be met with critique rooted in reasoning, not mockery or derision.
Institutions, media houses, and citizens alike must recognize the corrosive impact of online bullying. Social media platforms also have a responsibility to enforce community standards that protect individuals from targeted harassment.
Women leaders like Millicent Amankwaa Yeboah deserve the space to express themselves, participate in national discourse, and contribute to policy without fear of ridicule. A democracy that mocks and silences its women is a democracy that weakens its own foundations. It is time for Ghanaian society to reject gendered bullying and cultivate a culture of respect and informed debate.
Writer: Sheila Otuo – Baffour