ENGAGING men and boys is “crucial” in ending violence against women and girls (VAWG), campaigners urged in a new report today. 

The End Violence Against Women Coalition laid out how best to involve men and boys in tackling gender-based violence and issued 10 key recommendations to the government.

A recent poll by the coalition found a “regression in young people’s attitudes” — with a 17 per cent decrease since 2021 in the number of 18- to 25-year-olds who recognise that women are not responsible for keeping themselves safe from sexual violence.

The report highlighted the “rapid and unfettered spread of extreme misogyny” online, warning that it underscores the urgency of engaging men and boys in promoting gender equality.

Coalition director Andrea Simon said: “If we are to end violence against women, it is crucial that we engage men and boys in this work, which for too long has been perceived as a burden for women and girls to shoulder.

“Tackling gender inequality not only helps prevent women and girls from being harmed but also benefits men and boys, by transforming restrictive expectations around masculinity.”