The Mayor of London’s new campaign seeking to empower men to challenge misogyny by saying “maate” to their friends when they cross the line has been criticised (in this newspaper yesterday) and even mocked, but I welcome it. I was the Government’s independent adviser on tackling violence against women and girls until last year, so I know that this campaign is evidence-based.
In 2021, I helped publish the Government’s Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, shaped by the 180,000 responses we received from women and girls across the country.
While the strategy focused on long-term change, we also took immediate steps to improve safety for women and girls, focusing on practical action to bolster physical safety in public spaces. We did so as a result of what we were told by many of those who wrote to us.
We were unable to get the support for legislation that would make public sexual harassment a crime. I have been open about how difficult that was for me, having worked so closely with amazing young activists in the space. But what we did do was create the “enough” campaign which, as I see it, the “Say Maate” campaign is related to.
This campaign should not be knocked. Encouraging men to call out their friends is something we need to do
There is evidence that being challenged by those in your peer group about your behaviour can and will impact how you behave. Sadiq Khan’s press release stated that research conducted by Ogilvy found that two in three men want to step-in but don’t know what to say and this was a barrier to them taking action. And that one in four men in London aged 19 to 34 regret not calling out a friend or family member for being misogynistic.
I am not a massive fan of Khan and he has failed to publish a real and comprehensive violence against women and girls strategy, but this campaign should not be knocked. Encouraging men to call out their friends is something we need to do. I know there are countless spaces that are for men and boys only. If, in those spaces, there are now conversations about acceptable behaviour towards women and girls, that is a step forward. I have watched my brothers when they were younger call out their friends or have conversations only they could with their mates. I am not sure what else the Mayor has planned but I welcome this opportunity for young people to realise that they have the power to step in with their friends.
Addressing misogyny and public sexual harassment is complex. It is important that we take the time to ensure that any potential legislation is proportionate and reasonably defined, but until then we also need to have conversation and roll out things that can help just like the “Say Maate” campaign. It is unacceptable that women and girls do not feel safe in our city as a result of the behaviour of men — or the failure of previous leaders to understand the impact catcalling can have.
Why Sunak’s Barbie snap means so much
At the weekend, the Prime Minister posted a photo of himself and his family going to see the Barbie movie. What really stood out to me is that, as I take my niece and cousin to see the film today, we will look very much like the PM and his family. I sometimes think that it says a lot about this country that we are not raving about us having the first non-white PM and what an amazing success that is, but it is a success. I doubt Rishi Sunak’s parents thought that their son would be PM, but he is.
As he and his family go to see a movie that is taking over the world, I want us to take a moment and remember what that photo means to so many around the country and this world. It means that for all the issues we have, we also have a family of colour in No 10 and we know and feel that they belong there. I don’t think I would have thought that was possible growing up but for the kids in my family it’s just normal, and for that I am thankful.
