THE rise of misogyny worldwide is “wake-up call” showing that the defence and advancement of women’s rights requires constant struggle, Unite delegates told the union’s policy conference today.

Donna McClaskey, of North West region, moved a motion on the topic and argued that society had “never completely eliminated the beliefs that women are inferior.”

She said: “Today these beliefs are resurfacing with renewed strength and are often masked as ‘edgy’ humour, free speech or traditional values.”

Describing the global rise of misogyny as a “wake-up call,” Ms McClaskey concluded: “It tells us progress is not permanent; it must be protected and pushed forward every day.”

Rachel Eborall of London & Eastern region highlighted the need to stand up for trans rights, arguing that the rise in misogyny across the world was connected to the oppression of trans people.

“We need to resist all attacks on trans people and, fundamentally, that is us fighting against misogyny,” she said to applause in the hall.

“The rights of cis women and trans women are not opposed, they are fundamentally intertwined, and this is a trade union issue.”

North West delegate William Hodgson spoke in support of both the motion on global misogyny and one on violence in schools, noting that both were inextricably connected.

He spoke of his wife’s experience of working in schools, where boys often use misogynistic language, apeing prominent misogynists such as social media influencer Andrew Tate and US President Donald Trump.

“These kids are eventually going to be in our workplaces and it’s a ticking time bomb that we’re going to have to deal with,” Mr Hodgson warned.

Both motions, on global misogyny and violence in schools, were carried.