Leeds Hosts Event to Address Misogyny in Schools

Local educators and organisations unite to tackle misogyny among young people

Schools across Leeds are set to participate in a dedicated event aimed at addressing misogyny within educational settings. The half-day session will take place on 2 July at Leeds Civic Hall, bringing together staff from primary, secondary, and post-16 institutions.

Event background and objectives

The event is organised by Leeds City Council’s children and families service in partnership with the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership (WYVRP). It responds to growing national concerns about misogyny among young people, an issue often influenced by social media and highlighted in recent television programmes.

Misogyny, defined as prejudice against women, can appear in various forms including sexist language, gender stereotyping, harassment, abuse, and violence. The event aims to equip school staff with the knowledge and tools to understand, challenge, and respond to such behaviours, while promoting healthy relationships, respect, and inclusion within schools.

Speakers and contributions

• Benton Park School in Rawdon, one of only two schools nationally to receive a gold award from UK Feminista for tackling sexism and sexual harassment, will be represented by Allana Howard, assistant headteacher and designated safeguarding lead. She will discuss the school’s whole-school approach to addressing misogyny, which includes transforming policies, practices, and school culture.
• Soundproof Box, a Leeds-based organisation, will present their ‘Red Flags’ actor-led theatre workshop, which uses interactive scenarios to explore misogyny and its impact.
• Tender, a UK charity, will showcase how drama and the arts can be used to promote healthy relationships among young people.
• Getaway Girls, a Leeds charity, will close the event by presenting ‘Thriving in Education: A Charter for Girls and Young Women’, a practical guide aimed at supporting girls in schools. This charter was developed through Women Friendly Leeds, a partnership that includes Leeds City Council.

Statements from officials

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said the event represents a positive step in addressing a growing issue in schools across the UK. She emphasised the importance of empowering young people to develop respectful relationships and ensuring learning environments are safe and inclusive.

Alison Lowe OBE, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, highlighted the role of early intervention in building safer communities. She noted the establishment of the Women’s Safety Unit in West Yorkshire and the critical role schools play in promoting positive attitudes and behaviours through the work of the Violence Reduction Partnership.