The UK is expected to announce a reported £15 million fund for anti-misogyny programs in Wednesday’s Budget, directing new support toward efforts to improve safety for women and girls.
The Guardian and ITV News both reported the planned £15 million commitment. ITV News said the proposal would run for three years, with £5 million per year, and that the Office for the Impact Economy and the Office for Equality and Opportunity would manage the fund.
The Guardian reported that the government said organizations could apply for grants, while ministers hoped businesses and philanthropic donors would add matching money. Planned projects include mentoring for young people, employer training and public campaigns about women’s safety, according to both outlets. The Guardian also linked the proposal to government concern about online “manosphere” influencers.
Chancellor John Healey told The Guardian and ITV News: “Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe.”
On Sept. 20, the government announced Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson would chair a national taskforce on misogyny. The group’s remit covers attitudes in digital spaces, workplaces and communities. The government said its work would complement its goal of cutting violence against women and girls by half.
A separate education initiative has begun pilots, the Department for Education said Sept. 26. The pilots operate under its £16 million Violence Against Women and Girls Prevention Programme and focus on healthy relationships and harmful online influences.
Department for Education data showed 50% of girls encountered misogynistic remarks from classmates during one school week in May. Among Year 10 and 11 pupils, 30% said recent comments had made them worry about girls’ safety.
The Guardian and ITV News reported that Healey was expected to confirm the fund in the Budget. HM Treasury set the Budget date as Wednesday, Oct. 28.
