Online abuse could drive women out of political life — the time to act is now

We need to take action to enforce the laws that already exist to protect women from abuse and fine the tech companies that are consistent hate spreaders

Jacinda Ardern: The abuse against her has been so intense that even in retirement she’s expected to have extra police protection. Picture: Mark Mitchell/New Zealand Herald via AP

It is becoming increasingly evident that life in modern politics is presenting women with a stark choice — endure almost constant online threats and abuse or get out of public life.

Jacinda Ardern, the former prime minister of New Zealand, and Sanna Marin, the former prime minister of Finland, are the two highest profile cases, but the problem is widespread.