Violence against women in politics - how common is it in South Asia? According to a new study by UN Women, it is rampant 60% of women do not participate in politics due to fear of violence; 45% per cent of women candidates in India face physical violence and threats, while character assassination is seen as a greater threat in Pakistan and Nepal. The study also found that lack of enforcement of laws and support from police and judiciary, the socio-economic divide and current power structures are the major reasons for this violence.

Photo: Women participating in a sweep campaign before local elections India's Bihar state. 
Photo credit: UN Women/Ashutosh Negi