Sexism and misogyny are an everyday reality for young women. Our research shows that these experiences are widespread, frequent and often deeply impactful – shaping how young women feel, behave and participate in the world around them.
Read the full report
What are sexism and misogyny?
Sexism is treating people differently because of their gender, based on the idea that one gender is better than the other. For example, believing men make better leaders, or that women should do all the caring.
Misogyny is hatred of or prejudice against all women and girls. It is not just personal, it helps to keep society unequal.
How common is it for young women to experience sexism?
Almost 9 in 10 young women experienced some form of sexist behaviour in the last year. From being interrupted or talked over because of their gender to experiencing unwanted comments about their appearance and being treated with less respect than men.
Experiences are frequent too. 43% of young women are interrupted or talked over because of their gender at least weekly, and a third experience assumptions about their capabilities this often too.
How do sexism and misogyny affect young women?
Sexism and misogyny can affect young women’s safety, confidence, behaviour, mental health and willingness to speak up. Young women experience them across almost every part of their lives, including online, in public, at work, in education and within their families, making them difficult to escape.
Young Women’s Trust research shows that:
Sexism is an everyday experience for young women
- Almost 9 in 10 young women experienced some form of sexist behaviour in the last year.
Sexism changes how young women live their lives
- Three quarters of young women said sexism and misogyny had negatively affected at least one area of their lives.
Young women continue to face sexism at work
- Three quarters of young women said sexism and misogyny had negatively affected at least one area of their lives.
Young women are worried about the future
- 77% think sexist views are becoming more common, 74% think sexist comments are becoming more acceptable among young men, and 70% are worried that women’s rights are going backwards.
Read the full report to explore the findings
What needs to change to tackle sexism and misogyny?
To tackle sexism and misogyny, there needs to be action across workplaces, education, online spaces and wider society to protect women’s rights and create safer, fairer environments for young women.
Young Women’s Trust is calling for:
- A national framework for preventing and tackling misogyny
- Stronger enforcement of women’s existing rights
- National principles for tackling everyday sexism at work
- More opportunities for young women and men to challenge harmful gender norms together
- Stronger networks and spaces that enable young women to build confidence, connection and power
- A new law against incitement of hatred of women
- Online platforms that are safer by design, and regulation that stays ahead of emerging harms
- Investment in education that prevents misogyny – and that goes beyond schools too.