Couting men in
Feminism in the UK is facing a shifting backdrop, with the term increasingly turned into a cultural and political battleground. Only 28% of men now identify as feminists, and younger generations are the most divided. This retreat not only perpetuates gender-based violence but also fosters toxic masculinity, leaving men’s experiences of abuse largely invisible.
Patriarchy harms everyone, and dismantling it requires collective effort. Individual allyship - from speaking out against everyday sexism to amplifying others’ experiences - matters, but lasting change also requires systemic action. Schools, media, and workplaces must challenge rigid gender norms and show young people that feminism is not a zero-sum struggle. Counting men in isn’t about blame; it’s about recognising that gender equality benefits all and cannot be achieved through division.
Sexual violence in UK higher education
In 2025, the state of sexual misconduct in UK universities was described as a “national scandal”: 14% of final-year students had experienced sexual assaults during their studies, with women and marginalised groups disproportionately affected.
While sexual violence in UK universities is shaped by specific institutional and environmental failures, including a sexist lad culture and a legacy of institutional neglect, its persistence ultimately reflects deeper societal norms rooted in rape culture. University-level reforms, like those introduced by the Office for Students in August 2025, are therefore necessary and welcomed but are not sufficient. Without wider cultural change that challenges sexism and victim-blaming, sexual violence will continue to shape student life.