Extreme misogyny will be treated as a form of extremism under new government plans, the Home Office has said.
Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, has ordered a review of the UK’s counter-extremism strategy to determine how best to tackle threats posed by harmful ideologies.
Isabelle Younane, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, said:
“Misogyny, and misogynistic attitudes, are deeply harmful to women and girls, as they are fuelling an epidemic of violence towards them that is plaguing the nation. Women’s Aid is pleased that the government is indicating they will treat misogyny with the seriousness that it deserves and that they are recognising the need to tackle these attitudes in order to overcome violence against women and girls (VAWG).
While it is important that the connection between misogyny and VAWG is recognised, if we are to overcome gender-based abuse, past approaches to de-radicalisation by previous governments have left us cautious and concerned. Tackling violence against women and girls, and the inequalities that cause it, must be a stand-alone priority for the government, rather than getting buried within the highly politicised counter-extremism agenda.
Previous focus on religion and ideology in the context of the government’s approach to counter-extremism has proven particularly harmful for Black and minoritised women, with specialist by and for organisations documenting racism through increased surveillance and over-policing of these communities. It is difficult to see how systems that previously harmed these groups of women may now protect them. The government must clearly set out their plan and work with Women’s Aid and our members if this approach is to work.”
