KICKING MISOGYNY Out of Schools and Society By Joy Wisdom
England’s Government National Taskforce for Tackling Misogyny is long overdue. The taskforce plan is to examine misogyny across society, beginning with young people before introducing in workplaces, digital spaces and communities. (GOV.UK). Devolved governments not included.
This first step is welcomed by women and girls. And logically starts with younger groups to prevent this behaviour forming in early years.
Misogamy is high in UK compared to other European countries.
A topic close to my heart. Fact is Misogamy is a form of abuse. My 2014 video reported abuse as normalised, a cancer within society, cultures and various religions. Twelve years on it’s more ingrained than ever. Government has described it as pandemic. Cultural migration, part of the issue, as males openingly harass women on the street, on transport etc.
The figures behind the urgency are sobering.
National policing figures estimates a range of ages from girls to women each year.
At least 1 in 12 women experiences violence.
Sexual assault/attempted assault: 1 in 4 face assault in their lifetime.
Harassment: 1 in 3 women experienced harassment in a year.
Increasing to 2 in 3 age group 18-34. ONS research. (Independent Office for Police Conduct) (IOPC)
80% of sexual offences involve known perpetrators (Known to victim: current/ex-partner or acquaintances). Women’s Aid
Perpetrators who abuse are estimated 1 in 20. NPCC
Domestic abuse: 2025 data estimates 2.2 million females aged 16+ experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales (approx. 9.1% prevalence). Office for Nation Statistics. (YE March 2025)
The effects of predatory abuse, are often long-term for women with catastrophic outcomes to Body-Mind-Emotion wellbeing. The outcomes, often show in menstrual cycle disruption, hormone dysregulation, involved in PPMD, gut health. Well documented that abuse shortens a women’s life.
Misogyny actions are fear based, threatening and vastly underestimated. Including intimidation, sexism, dismissal, harassment, or quiet gaslighting, disrespecting, undermining women. Social media, online influences stigmatise boys, amplifying misogyny attitudes in young males, who feel obliged to mirror misogamy behaviour.
Education therefore matters enormously. New statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance requires schools to address healthy relationship consent and harmful misogynistic online influences. But education cannot carry this responsibility alone. Misogyny exists in workplaces, public life, communities and healthcare. (GOV.UK)
In my new book ‘Menoproof Your Life, through the decades, I highlight how women's health is compromised and harmed by misogyny practices within healthcare, misunderstood, dismissed or inadequately prioritised. Long waits, poor recognition of gynaecological conditions and gaps in professional education have had profound consequences for women's physical and emotional wellbeing due to years of little medical training on women’s health. Reportedly one hour on menopause.
Changing attitudes in the classroom is an important beginning.
Genuine long term change requires something larger, with a roll out in devolved nations.
Big improvements in professional education and accountability, listening to women and challenging outdated attitudes wherever they appear.
Women's precious lives are at stake.
The question now is not whether misogyny exists.
It’s whether society is finally prepared to stop producing abusive behaviour. Identifying misogyny as unacceptable behaviour, safeguarding females.
Joy Wisdom
09.2026
JWT offers 1-2-1 D.A.R.E abuse, adverse trauma specialist methods.
Allonus offers D.A.R.E specialist professional training on women’s health, abuse and maternal health.
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