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The Rising Threat of Online Harassment for Women Leaders
There’s a moment many women leaders can recall…that first post, podcast or public message where they finally decided to share their voice. It took courage. It took clarity. And for many, it took years to get there.
But today, even that moment of bravery is under threat.
The New Risk of Being Visible
According to recent global research in the Financial Times, the article “Women business leaders face surge in online abuse” written by Hannah Murphy, women face significantly higher rates of online harassment than men, and the numbers increase with visibility. Leaders. Advocates. Public figures. Even professionals who are simply sharing thought leadership in a LinkedIn article.
And the attacks? They don’t just question a woman’s qualifications. They go for her appearance, her tone, her values, her family. It’s personal. And it’s powerful enough to keep many women from every speaking up at all.
It Happened To Me
I remember the moment clearly. I had posted an article about California passing legislation requiring 25% of board seats to be held by women. I wrote that while it was disappointing that change had to come through legislation, it was a step in the right direction…and maybe other states would follow.
The responses were thoughtful and supportive…until one man responded:
“So what you’re saying is you’d rather have an unqualified woman take a seat from a qualified man?”
He didn’t know me. Be he assumed the worst.
I replied with respect, letting him know that I’ve never advocated for putting anyone, man or woman, in a position they’re not qualified for. That isn’t who I am. But the comments kept coming…more pointed, more personal.
At that point, I had a choice: ignore him, fight back or protect the space.
I chose to ask him to step away from the conversation.
He refused.
I deleted his comments and moved on.
But that moment stuck with me. Not because it hurt me, but because I knew so many women would have stayed silent to avoid the backlash altogether. I knew if I continued, it would have changed the entire conversation from what was important to what was simply childish.
Visibility Isn’t The Risk…Isolation Is
Let’s be clear: the solution isn’t to get louder alone.
The answer is community. Real community. The kind where your voice is heard, your story is held, and your leadership is nourished…not picked apart.
It’s also strategy. Knowing how to use your voice effectively, protect your time and energy and show up in ways that align with your values.
Because your voice isn’t just valuable. It’s vital.
P.S. To the women reading this…If you’ve been holding back, whether online or in a boardroom, know this…there is a space for your brilliance. There is power in your presence. And there are communities (like mine) that exist specifically to support you, amplify you and walk beside you.
You don’t have to lead in silence.