First Minister John Swinney has announced a new package of measures to tackle misogyny and violence against women and girls in Scotland, including up to £1 million in additional funding for school programmes and a renewed commitment to introduce a Misogyny Bill.
The Scottish Government confirmed the measures on Saturday 17 October 2026. The proposed legislation is intended to provide specific protection against misogynistic harassment, while the education funding will begin in 2027–28.
Up to £1 million for school programmes
The new Respect Fund for Scotland will support third-sector programmes for secondary school pupils aimed at challenging misogynistic attitudes. Primary pupils will receive age-appropriate education about respect.
Ministers say up to an additional £1 million will be invested from 2027–28. This is a future funding commitment, not a statement that the money has already been distributed or that every school will receive a direct allocation.
Misogyny Bill promised before summer 2027
Swinney also reiterated the Scottish Government's commitment to introduce a Misogyny Bill before the Scottish Parliament's summer recess in 2027. The government's Programme for Government identifies the proposed Misogyny (Criminal Law) (Scotland) Bill as a measure to recognise misogyny as a distinct form of prejudice and abuse.
The Bill has not yet been introduced or enacted. The precise offences, definitions and safeguards will depend on the text presented to Parliament and the subsequent legislative process.
The proposal follows an earlier decision in May 2025 not to proceed with standalone misogyny legislation during the previous parliamentary session, when ministers cited legal complexity and insufficient time.
Sporting bodies to support renewed campaign
The package also includes a new phase of the Don't Be That Guy campaign, originally launched by Police Scotland in 2021. Scottish Rugby, the Scottish Football Association and Tennis Scotland are among the organisations supporting the refreshed initiative.
The Scottish Government says the campaign will encourage men to challenge behaviour and attitudes that contribute to violence against women and girls.
What happens next?
The schools funding is scheduled to start in the 2027–28 financial year, while ministers have set a deadline of before the 2027 summer recess to introduce the proposed Bill. Neither the future funding nor the legislation should be described as already implemented.