France urged to act as rising masculinism flagged as security threat

Masculinist ideas are spreading online, with a French report finding many men view feminism as a threat rather than a movement for equality. AP - Charlie Riedel

France must adopt a national strategy to combat masculinism – an organised ideology that promotes male supremacy and hostility to women – as it spreads online and poses a growing public security risk, the country’s gender equality watchdog has warned.

In its annual report on sexism, the High Council for Gender Equality, an advisory body attached to the office of the prime minister, on Wednesday said France was falling worryingly behind in identifying and tackling masculinism.