Amid growing concerns over the surge in violence against women and girls, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has launched a review of the country’s counter-terrorism strategy. This review is about identifying the blind spots in current legislation and confronting the alarming rise of online misogynistic ideologies head-on.  

The UK’s decision to classify extreme misogyny as a national security issue comes after years of rising concern over the lines between the violent misogynistic beliefs and broader extremist violence. The numbers are telling a story that’s hard to ignore, women are increasingly becoming targets of brutal violence, often driven by deep seated misogyny that festers in certain corners of the internet and certain minds.  

We’ve seen it before, the connection between extreme misogyny and acts of terror. Whether it’s mass shooters in the United States who identify with incel ideologies, or extremist groups that use misogyny as a tool of oppression, the link is undeniable. These aren’t just individual acts of violence, they are a result of a deep-seated belief system that views women as inferior, as objects to be controlled or destroyed.  

The UK’s decision to treat misogyny as terrorism acknowledges this reality. It's a recognition that the ideology of hate towards women is not just a byproduct of other forms of extremism but a dangerous force in its own right. By placing it under the umbrella of national security, the UK is taking steps to dismantle these harmful ideologies before they can manifest in acts of violence.  

Much of this hate is bred and nurtured online. The internet has given rise to communities where extreme misogyny flourishes unchecked, where men, often young, disenfranchised and angry are radicalized. These spaces are incubators for hate, turning misogynistic thoughts into violent actions. By targeting these online networks, the UK government aims to disrupt the spread of this dangerous ideology at its source. 

This move also sets a global precedent. While many countries have laws against hate speech and gender-based violence, few have gone as far as to classify misogyny as a national threat. The UK is leading the way, recognizing that the fight against misogyny must be as strong and relentless as the fight against any other form of extremism.