This article was republished for International Women’s Day 2026 to highlight the incredible women of Bylines Network
In a society that prides itself on values of fairness, equality and freedom of expression, the treatment of strong women in the UK who dare to speak out against injustice is often at odds with these ideals. Despite the progress made over the years, the reality for women who stick their heads above the parapet remains fraught with challenges.
In particular, the rise of social media has created a double-edged sword: a platform for advocacy and a breeding ground for abuse. As a woman who has experienced firsthand the backlash that comes with speaking out on social and political issues, I’ve come to understand the complex dynamics at play in the UK’s treatment of strong, outspoken women.
Historical and cultural context
The UK has a long history of women who have fought against societal norms to advocate for change. Historically, women have been expected to be passive, agreeable and deferential – qualities that are at odds with the traits needed to challenge injustice and advocate for change. When women step outside of these expectations, they are often met with resistance, hostility and attempts to undermine their credibility.
From the suffragettes, who battled for the right to vote, to contemporary figures like Malala Yousafzai, who campaigns globally for girls’ education, women who speak out have often faced fierce opposition. Despite their eventual recognition, these women were subjected to intense scrutiny, vilification and efforts to silence them.
This resistance to strong women is deeply rooted in cultural expectations. Women who are assertive, outspoken and willing to challenge the status quo, are frequently perceived as stepping out of their ‘acceptable’ roles. They are labelled as ‘difficult,’ ‘hysterical,’ or ‘aggressive’ – labels that are rarely applied to men who display similar traits. The double standard is stark and it plays out both in real life and online.
Hostile backlash: the social cost of advocacy
For women who take a stand on social issues, the backlash can be swift and severe. In the UK, women in politics, journalism, activism and other public spheres who speak out against injustice are often met with hostility. This hostility is not limited to public debate; it extends into their personal lives, affecting their mental health, well-being and sometimes even their safety.
Public figures like Diane Abbott, the UK’s first black female MP, have faced unrelenting racism and misogyny for decades. Despite her significant contributions to public life, Abbott is frequently targeted with abuse that is not just about her politics, but about her identity as a black woman in a position of power. Similarly, female journalists and activists who tackle controversial issues, such as gender equality or immigration, often find themselves at the receiving end of vicious attacks.
These experiences are not limited to public figures. As an ordinary woman who uses social media to advocate for social justice, I have faced my own share of backlash. What began as a desire to contribute to important conversations on race, gender, politics and equality quickly turned into an overwhelming experience of online abuse. The sheer volume of hateful comments, insults and threats I received was shocking and, at times, terrifying.
Social media: platforms for advocacy but also abuse
Social media platforms like X, Facebook and Instagram have revolutionised the way we communicate and advocate for causes. They have provided a space for voices that might otherwise be marginalised. However, these platforms have also become breeding grounds for abuse, particularly against women who speak out on social issues.
The anonymity afforded by social media emboldens people to say things they would likely never say in person. Women are often targeted with sexist, racist and even violent messages. The abuse can be relentless, ranging from insults about appearance and intelligence, to graphic threats of physical and sexual violence.
For me, the experience of receiving abuse online was both eye-opening and distressing. Initially, I underestimated the vitriol that would come my way. I assumed that engaging in thoughtful, respectful dialogue would shield me from the worst of it. But I was wrong. The more vocal I became about issues like gender inequality, racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights, the more intense the backlash grew. I was called names, mocked and told to “stick to what I know” – a thinly veiled attempt to silence me.
Social media platforms have a significant role to play in addressing the issue of online abuse. These platforms have been slow to respond to the abuse that occurs on their sites. Reporting mechanisms are often inadequate, and the responsibility to block or mute abusive users falls on the victims rather than the perpetrators.
The introduction of more robust reporting tools and content moderation policies are positive steps. However, these measures are often inconsistent and can feel like too little, too late.
The psychological toll of online abuse
The psychological toll of receiving abuse on social media cannot be overstated. At first, I tried to brush it off, telling myself that these were just ‘trolls’ and that their opinions didn’t matter. But as the abuse escalated, it became harder to ignore. The constant barrage of negativity started to affect my mental health. I found myself becoming anxious every time I logged onto social media, dreading what I might find in my notifications.
This experience is not unique. Many women who are active on social media report similar feelings of anxiety, depression and fear as a result of the abuse they receive. The impact of this abuse can be profound, leading some women to self-censor or withdraw from public discourse altogether. This, in turn, silences important voices and diminishes the diversity of perspectives in conversations that desperately need them.
It’s important to recognise that the experience of online abuse is not uniform. Women from marginalised communities, including women of colour, LGBTQ+ women and women with disabilities, often face compounded layers of abuse. The intersectionality of their identities makes them more vulnerable to targeted harassment, both online and offline.
As a white woman, I am acutely aware that the abuse I face is different from the experiences of women of colour or LGBTQ+ women. I do not face the same level of racist or homophobic abuse that others do. This awareness has deepened my understanding of the need for solidarity in our fight against online harassment.
The rise of Andrew Tate and incel movements
The growing influence of figures like Andrew Tate and the rise of incel (involuntary celibate) movements have further exacerbated the abuse that strong women face on social media. Tate, a controversial figure known for his extreme misogynistic views, has gained a significant following online, particularly among young men. Tate’s rhetoric often involves demeaning women, promoting toxic masculinity and encouraging men to dominate women both physically and psychologically. His influence extends far beyond his direct followers, seeping into the broader discourse on social media where it amplifies the misogynistic abuse targeted at women.
The incel movement also plays a significant role in the online abuse directed at women. Incels often blame women for their own personal frustrations and failures, viewing them as the source of all their problems. This toxic ideology has found fertile ground on social media platforms, where like-minded individuals can easily connect, share and amplify their hate. For women who dare to speak out, this means facing a coordinated and often vicious onslaught of abuse that can range from derogatory comments to threats of violence.
These influences create a particularly hostile environment for women on social media. The normalisation of misogyny through figures like Tate and incel groups contributes to a culture where attacking women – especially women who challenge these ideologies – is seen as acceptable, or even justified. This environment not only discourages women from speaking out, but also reinforces the idea that women who advocate for equality are the enemy.
Extreme misogyny as a hate crime: a legislative response
Recognising the growing threat posed by extreme misogyny, the UK government has taken significant steps to address this issue. One of the most notable developments is the push to categorise extreme misogyny as a hate crime. Spearheaded by Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, this legislative effort aims to provide better protection for women who are targeted by misogynistic abuse, particularly online.
The inclusion of extreme misogyny as a hate crime marks a crucial shift in the legal landscape. It acknowledges that misogynistic abuse is not merely a byproduct of online discourse, but a serious issue that can have a devastating effect on women’s lives. By criminalising extreme forms of misogyny, the law sends a clear message that such behaviour is unacceptable and will be met with legal consequences.
For women who have experienced online abuse, this legislation offers a glimmer of hope. It provides a potential pathway to justice and could deter some of the most egregious offenders. However, the success of this legislation will depend on its implementation and enforcement. Law enforcement agencies, social media platforms and the judicial system must work together to ensure that women are protected and that perpetrators are held accountable.
Moving forward: creating a more supportive environment
So, where do we go from here? Addressing the treatment of women in the UK who speak out requires a multifaceted approach. First, there needs to be a cultural shift in how we perceive women who challenge societal norms. Instead of vilifying them, we should celebrate their courage and contributions.
Education is key to this shift. By teaching young people about gender equality, respect and the importance of diverse voices, we can help to create a society where women feel empowered to speak out without fear of backlash. Media representation also plays a crucial role. When strong women are portrayed as complex, multifaceted individuals rather than stereotypes, it challenges the narrow definitions of what women can and should be.
Finally, social media platforms must take their responsibility seriously. This means implementing more effective measures to prevent abuse, holding perpetrators accountable and creating an environment where women can advocate for change without fear of retribution.
As someone who has faced the harsh reality of speaking out, I remain committed to advocating for the issues that matter to me. The abuse I’ve experienced has only strengthened my resolve. But it shouldn’t have to be this way. No one should have to endure threats and harassment simply for using their voice. By working together, we can create a society where strong women are not just tolerated, but celebrated for their contributions to making the world a better place.
