Nine in ten young women in South East experience sexism, new research reveals

Nine in ten young women across the South East say they have experienced sexism in the past year, with many reporting a damaging impact on their mental health, confidence and personal safety.

New research published by Young Women's Trust reveals that 90% of women aged between 18 and 30 in the region have experienced sexism, while 30% say it has negatively affected their mental health.

The findings also show that nearly three quarters (72%) of young women believe sexism and misogyny have had a negative impact on their lives.

Almost half (45%) say their experiences have affected how safe they feel in public, while 42% report a loss of confidence.

The charity warns that sexism is influencing how young women across the South East live, work and interact with others.

More than a third (36%) say they have felt forced to change how they dress or behave, while 21% avoid expressing their opinions at work.

The research suggests growing concern among young women about the increasing acceptance of sexist attitudes.

More than three quarters (78%) believe sexist views are becoming more common in society, while 74% say sexist comments are becoming more acceptable among young men.

Nationally, 36% of young men surveyed believed society would be better off if men and women returned to more traditional roles.

That compares with 15% of young women surveyed in the South East.

The findings also reveal that 67% of young women are worried women's rights are going backwards.

Meanwhile, only 17% expressed confidence that politicians are taking misogyny seriously.

The research highlights how sexism and gender-based abuse can affect young women in everyday situations.

Among young women who experienced threats or abusive behaviour because of their gender, the most commonly reported sources included social media and online spaces (33%), strangers on the street (25%) and strangers on public transport (23%).

Others reported experiencing abuse from customers, clients or service users (15%), while 9% identified family members.

Workplaces were also highlighted as an area of concern.

A separate survey of HR managers found that 47% were aware of young women in their organisations experiencing sexist or discriminatory behaviour during the previous 12 months.

Two in five HR managers (40%) acknowledged that sexist behaviour still existed within their organisations.

Young Women's Trust is urging the Government to introduce a coordinated national approach to tackling misogyny in education, workplaces, online spaces and public life.

The charity wants clearer guidance for employers on preventing everyday sexism, alongside existing advice on gender pay gaps and supporting staff experiencing menopause.

It is also calling for more opportunities for young women and men to discuss gender issues constructively and challenge harmful stereotypes.

The recommendations come as ministers have launched a National Taskforce for Tackling Misogyny, aimed at preventing harmful attitudes towards women and girls.

Katharine Sacks-Jones, Chief Executive of Young Women's Trust, said: “The findings are clear: widespread sexism and misogyny are damaging young women’s mental health and confidence.

"This goes far beyond harmful online content – sexism is not something they can log off from. It’s having a profound impact on the way young women view themselves and their place in the world and the way they participate in society.

"With growing threats to the rights and protections that women have fought hard to secure, young women now feel their rights are up for grabs.

"Now is the time to challenge harmful attitudes, stand up for young women’s rights and ensure every young woman has the power and opportunity to fulfil her potential.”

The charity hopes its findings will encourage further action to improve women's safety and ensure young women across Sussex, Hampshire and the wider South East can participate fully in work and public life without fear of discrimination.

The figures are from the charity's supplied research findings; the latest regional percentages have not been independently verified.

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