Key facts
- A national taskforce has been launched to tackle misogyny and violence against women and girls (VAWG).
- The taskforce is chaired by Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson.
- It aims to address harmful attitudes online, in workplaces, and in communities.
- The initiative is part of Labour's 2024 manifesto pledge to halve VAWG within 10 years.
- The first meeting will focus on young people.
- Members include representatives from women's organisations, academia, and local leaders.
A national taskforce has been established by the UK government to combat misogyny and violence against women and girls (VAWG). Chaired by Bridget Phillipson, the Minister for Women and Equalities, the group will convene experts from various sectors, including women's organisations, academia, and local leaders, alongside ministers. Its primary objective is to address and root out harmful attitudes prevalent online, in workplaces, and within communities, aiming to ensure women and girls can live without fear.
The taskforce's creation aligns with Labour's 2024 manifesto commitment to reduce VAWG by half within a decade. The government intends for the taskforce to foster collaboration and shape policy based on the lived experiences of those most affected by misogyny. The initial meeting is scheduled to concentrate on issues affecting young people, with subsequent discussions planned for workplaces, digital spaces, and social cohesion.
Bridget Phillipson highlighted her personal experience working at a women's refuge, stating that no woman should have to limit her ambitions due to fear. She emphasized the collective responsibility to challenge poisonous attitudes. Felicity Oswald, CEO of Girlguiding, noted that girls are reporting increasing sexism and misogyny, and welcomed the opportunity for their perspectives to inform government decisions. Deniz Ugur, Deputy Director at the End Violence Against Women Coalition, stressed the need for meaningful commitment across all government departments to ensure the taskforce's effectiveness in tackling the root causes of VAWG.