The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality has expressed concern over recent "degrading, sexist and insulting" comments that appeared on social media.
“Sexist comments create a climate of intimidation, fear and insecurity. Specific groups of women, for example, young women, politicians, journalists or public figures, are often the target of sexist abuse,” the NCPE said in a statement on Monday.
The NCPE said that 63% of women journalists in the EU had been confronted with verbal abuse. In comparison, 58% of female politicians from 45 European countries have been the target of online sexist attacks on social networks.
“Sexist hate speech is not only a form of violence against women and girls, but it also widens gender inequality by hindering women’s full participation in public life,” the commission said.