The chancellor will give £15m to a dedicated fund to tackle misogyny in workplaces, schools and public places amid concerns in government about the rise of “manosphere” influencers. The women and equalities minister, Bridget Phillipson, will helm the UK-wide fund, announced last month, marking the first time there has been specific national cash to address misogyny. The government said organisations could bid for money from the misogyny prevention fund to provide services including mentoring for young people, workplace training and awareness campaigns to improve safety for women and girls.
Ministers will also seek match funding from corporate partners and philanthropists to grow the amount of cash available. Campaigns that have drawn praise in the past – which could be funded nationwide – are Transport for London’s poster campaigns and adverts that encouraged other men to intervene when they saw abusive behaviour taking place, including the “Have a Word” and “Say Maaate to a Mate” campaigns to challenge misogyny. The campaigns won advertising awards but some critics argued they had done relatively little to address the major threats of violence against women and girls.
Phillipson, who announced her misogyny prevention taskforce last month, said the fund’s aim was to educate and prevent everyday sexism. This funding is a critical step as we work to confine misogyny to the history books, where it belongs. Everyone – from big business to members of the public – can do their bit to stamp out misogyny and improve the lives of women and girls everywhere.” The chancellor, John Healey, who is expected to confirm the £15m in the budget on Wednesday, said: “Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe, respected and able to pursue their ambitions – at school, at work and in their communities.
That £20m package is intended to provide new funding and materials for schools to address relationship issues, online misogyny and misinformation.
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