National taskforce launched to tackle misogyny as part of VAWG pledge
A national taskforce aimed at tackling misogyny across society has been launched by the Government.
The group will seek to root out harmful attitudes online, in workplaces and within communities, bringing together representatives from women’s organisations, academia, local leaders and ministers.
Officials said further announcements will be made this week to move forward with Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledge to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) within a decade.
Among those working alongside women and equalities minister Bridget Phillipson on the taskforce are Girlguiding chief executive officer Felicity Oswald, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and End Violence Against Women Coalition interim director Janaya Walker.
The first meeting is expected to take place shortly after conference recess and will focus on young people.
Ms Phillipson, who previously worked at a women’s refuge before entering Parliament, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact on women and girls when harmful attitudes are tolerated and left unchallenged.
“No woman should have to make her world smaller or curb her ambitions out of fear – and making that a reality is everyone’s business.
“As a whole society, we can and must be better. With political leadership and the best experts from across the country, we will shift the dial on the poisonous attitudes that blight women’s lives, turn evidence into action and send misogynistic attitudes back to the dark ages where they belong.”
Ms Oswald said girls were telling Girlguiding they are facing rising levels of sexism and misogyny online, in public and in schools.
“That’s why we are calling for more education around healthy relationships, gender stereotypes, early warning signs and consent,” she said.
“We welcome the opportunity to bring girls’ experiences and perspectives directly into discussions with government.
“Girls are experts in their own lives and it is vital that their voices are heard when decisions are made that impact them.”
Deniz Ugur, deputy director at the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said “meaningful commitment and engagement” by ministers across all Government departments would be needed to ensure the group was effective.
She said: “We are pleased to see the national taskforce for tackling misogyny focus in on tackling the root causes of violence against women and girls.
“In order to enable the work of the taskforce to be effective, we hope to see meaningful commitment and engagement by ministers across all Government departments.
“We strongly welcome the taskforce’s consideration of how the weaponisation of VAWG fuels harm, misinformation and division in our communities, which ultimately undermines efforts to end and prevent VAWG, and ensure that victims and survivors can access support.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub