The UK Government has established a National Taskforce for Tackling Misogyny, aiming to address the root causes of violence against women and girls. The launch, announced on 20 September 2026, follows a major policy commitment to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) within a decade.
The initiative aligns with formal calls for action from West Sussex leaders earlier this year. In March 2026, West Sussex County Council unanimously approved a motion urging the Home Secretary to strengthen protections for women and tackle misogyny as a matter of urgency. The scale of the challenge in the region is reflected in data from Sussex Police, which recorded 29,601 domestic abuse crimes across the county in 2025.
Chaired by Bridget Phillipson MP, the Minister for Women and Equalities, the taskforce will hold its first meeting following the political conference recess. The initial focus of the group will be on young people, specifically looking at how harmful attitudes are formed and the impact of digital spaces on social cohesion.
School-based intervention and funding
Alongside the taskforce launch, the government has unveiled a parallel £20 million plan designed to tackle misogyny within schools. This programme will involve identifying at-risk boys for tailored behavioural courses and providing resources to challenge harmful ideologies in the classroom.
The taskforce includes a range of experts and advocates, such as Girlguiding CEO Felicity Oswald, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, and representatives from the End Violence Against Women Coalition. While the first phase focuses on education and youth, subsequent work will examine misogyny in workplaces and the digital sphere.
Further government announcements regarding VAWG policy and the specific implementation of taskforce findings in schools are expected later this year.
