The UK government will provide £15m to a dedicated fund aimed at preventing misogyny across workplaces, schools and public spaces, officials said on Tuesday. The cash injection was announced as ministers signalled concern about the rise of online subcultures and influencers that promote anti-women sentiment.
Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson will oversee the UK-wide initiative, which was first announced last month. Ministers described the allocation as the first time the UK has committed specific national funding expressly to address misogyny.
The move comes amid growing alarm in parts of government about the so-called 'manosphere' — a loose collection of online communities and influencers that critics say can normalise or amplify misogynistic views. Officials said the fund is intended to support efforts to tackle sexism in a range of settings, including at work, in educational institutions and in public places.
Details about how the money will be distributed, which programmes will receive support and the timetable for implementation have not been published. Ministers have framed the fund as a preventative measure to address cultural drivers of gendered abuse, but further announcements on delivery are expected as the scheme is developed.
The allocation adds to a broader debate in the UK about how best to respond to online harms and protect equality, with questions remaining about enforcement, education and the role of social media platforms in curbing harmful content. The government has not set out specific targets or metrics tied to the fund in the initial announcement.