The Government has announced plans for a £15 million misogyny prevention fund, with Chancellor John Healey expected to confirm the commitment in the Budget on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
The Office for Equality and Opportunity said on Tuesday that the money would support prevention programmes over three years. Ministers hope to attract additional contributions from companies and philanthropists, although no total for that additional funding has been confirmed.
How will the £15 million be spent?
The Government says £5 million a year will support programmes and pilots aimed at preventing misogyny and reducing its impact. Possible activities include mentoring young people, workplace training and communications campaigns. These are examples of potential projects, not a final list of grant recipients.
The money will be channelled through the Office for the Impact Economy, working with the Office for Equality and Opportunity. Organisations will be able to seek grants through a bidding process, but the announcement does not set out individual awards or a complete application timetable.
What have ministers said?
Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson described the investment as a step towards challenging sexist harassment and discrimination. Chancellor John Healey said the Government wanted to back practical prevention work while encouraging businesses and philanthropists to contribute.
How does the fund fit into existing policy?
The fund is intended to support the national misogyny prevention taskforce established by the Minister for Women and Equalities. The Government cited existing work by charities and other organisations as examples of approaches in this field, without announcing that those organisations would receive money from the new fund.
What remains to be confirmed?
The £15 million is a government commitment expected to be confirmed in the Budget, rather than evidence that grants have already been distributed. The scale of any corporate match funding, the selection criteria for bids, the timing of awards and how programme outcomes will be evaluated remain important questions for implementation.
Sources
This report is based on the Office for Equality and Opportunity announcement of 27 October 2026 and the Government’s published strategy on preventing violence against women and girls.
Sources: Office for Equality and Opportunity, 27 October 2026; UK Government strategy on violence against women and girls.