Misogyny and gender-based violence are among the most reliable indicators of terrorism and conflict. No wonder violence against women — a manifestation of a broader systemic problem — has become a national security threat in the UK. By identifying and tackling extreme misogyny in the same way as Islamist and far-right extremism, rampant crime against women on the streets and a massive surge in the radicalization of youngsters online can finally be curbed.
What constitutes misogyny to one is not necessarily the same to another, which is why treating misogyny as extremism could criminalize free speech, worsen community tensions, and expose officials to legal challenges. Moreover, violence against women and girls is already a crime. If the government were taking the matter seriously, instead of implementing new policies, it would actually be enforcing existing laws more effectively.
There's a 50% chance that Keir Starmer's approval rating as prime minister of the UK will be at least 43% on Sept. 18, 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.