Misogyny Policy Project
The problem
Misogyny among young men in the UK is on the rise, driven by online influences, social alienation, and limited support for mental health and well-being. The ONS revealed in 2022 that over 1.6 million women in the UK had experienced domestic abuse in that one year, and one woman is killed by a man every 3 days in the UK. In 2025, the National Audit Office reports that an “epidemic of violence against women and girls” in the UK is getting worse, with efforts to contain and reverse this trend hampered by poor government coordination.
While calls for categorising misogyny as a hate crime have gained support, this approach risks overlooking – and thus, not adequately tackling – the deeper issues driving violence and discrimination against women. Misogyny is rooted in broader social, structural, and cultural problems that need holistic and comprehensive solutions for lasting change. Addressing these underlying issues as a matter of priority is essential for long-term and sustainable change.
Our approach
Through its work on the Misogyny Policy Project, ShandClarke is seeking to support and advance policy recommendations and actions to prevent and reduce misogynistic behaviour among young men and boys, and promote a more positive and inclusive approach to the benefits of gender equality for everyone. This campaign seeks to complement existing work being done in communities by focusing specifically on the UK policy space.
1. Directly address misogyny and the influence of the manosphere in schools
• Hold classroom-based discussions
• Provide teachers and schools with training on gender and the impacts of the manosphere on students
• Universal delivery of a Whole School Approach
• Provide comprehensive, progressive relationship and sex education
• Introduce online education lessons
• Roll out young male mentors
• Promote positive gender norms in school, particularly sports teams
• Improve reporting mechanisms
2. Tackle loneliness and isolation and broader wellbeing needs for men and boys
• Implement Mental Health Foundation UK’s policy recommendations to address loneliness in young people
• Provide supportive community spaces for young men and boys
• Address men and boys’ broader health and wellbeing needs
3. Engage with men as fathers to address misogyny
• Engage father to prevent misogyny
• Promote further academic consideration of men’s role in research
• Increase paternity leave for men
4. Work with social media companies to address harmful content
• Engage social media companies
• Enforce protections
• Educate on the harmful impact of online content
• Revisit the Online Safety Act to address adult harms
5. Promote gender equality as beneficial to everyone
• Reframe the public narrative by conducting a ‘reframing initiative’ in school curricula
6. Formulate an intersectional policy and practice framework on young male misogyny
• Develop an intersectional policy framework
• Leverage tailored online toolkits
Partnerships and collaboration
ShandClarke is in discussions with a range of UK-based youth organisations, violence prevention organisations, Trade Unions, organisations working with men and advocacy groups on this issue.
We believe that partnerships are key to advancing meaningful change on this issue. As we continue to build a coalition of partners, we invite individuals and organisations to join us in this effort. If you or your organisation would like to explore opportunities for collaboration, please get in touch with us to discuss how we can work together.