Government launches taskforce to tackle misogyny
The government has launched a national taskforce to tackle misogyny, as part of a wider drive to prevent violence against women and girls.
The taskforce will bring together government, local leaders and experts to examine how misogynistic attitudes can be challenged across society, including in communities, workplaces and online.
Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson said the government would “lead from the front” in tackling misogyny and changing attitudes towards women and girls.
The initiative forms part of the government’s wider strategy to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, which places prevention alongside the pursuit of perpetrators and support for victims.
Policing is a key part of that strategy, with the government saying violence against women and girls should become a core policing priority at every rank and in every role.
It has also committed to strengthening police training so that every officer is equipped to respond effectively to VAWG offences, while the new National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection is intended to provide national coordination and strategic leadership.
The government said the taskforce would focus on preventing harmful attitudes from developing in the first place, particularly among young people, rather than relying solely on criminal justice responses once offending has occurred.
The taskforce is expected to work across government and with experts and organisations outside the public sector to develop recommendations for tackling misogyny and promoting healthier attitudes.