Michael Appelt

In 2025, an alarming trend has resurfaced—misogyny is on the rise. From politics to social media, from workplaces to cultural conversations, an increasing number of incidents and policies have signaled a troubling regression in gender equality. But why is this happening now? And what does it mean for the future?

A Political and Social Backslide

The political climate has played a significant role in enabling this resurgence. The re-election of controversial figures like Donald Trump has emboldened rhetoric that undermines women’s rights. Policies restricting reproductive freedoms, discussions around tax incentives for “traditional marriages,” and executive orders limiting gender diversity have sent a clear message: progress is under attack.

Globally, the United Nations has warned that women’s rights are deteriorating at an alarming rate. Secretary-General António Guterres recently called for urgent action, noting that decades of hard-won gender equality gains are being eroded.

The Role of Social Media and Influencers

Beyond politics, the digital landscape has become a breeding ground for misogynistic ideologies. Influencers like Andrew Tate and others in the so-called “manosphere” promote narratives of male dominance and female submission, gaining millions of followers. These messages don’t just stay online—they shape real-world behaviors. Schools report an increase in sexist attitudes among young boys, and educators are struggling to counter the spread of toxic masculinity.

Social media platforms, instead of curbing this behavior, often amplify it. Algorithms reward controversial, high-engagement content, allowing misogynistic messages to reach vast audiences.

Misogyny in Everyday Life

But misogyny isn’t confined to politics or the internet—it shows up in workplaces, public spaces, and daily interactions. Many industries, particularly male-dominated fields like finance and the culinary world, continue to struggle with entrenched sexism. In some cases, women face not just workplace discrimination but open hostility when they speak out.

This trend has led to the rise of what some call “open misogyny”—sexism without pretense or shame. In past decades, misogynistic behaviors were often hidden or at least socially frowned upon. Now, many individuals express them openly, even proudly, with little consequence.

A Push for Resistance

Despite this concerning rise, activists, educators, and organizations are pushing back. Groups like Amnesty International have called for global action against gender discrimination. Schools are implementing education programs on healthy masculinity, and workplaces are being urged to hold leaders accountable for fostering inclusive environments.

The fight against misogyny isn’t just about women’s rights—it’s about creating a more just and equal society for all. If we allow these setbacks to continue unchallenged, we risk undoing decades of progress.

What Can We Do Today?

The scale of this issue can feel overwhelming, but small, everyday actions do make a difference. It starts with being aware of the language and behaviors that normalize sexism and taking a moment to question them. A casual joke, a dismissive remark, or an outdated stereotype might not seem significant on its own, but collectively, these attitudes shape the culture we live in. Speaking up, even in simple ways, shifts the tone of conversations and sets different expectations.

There’s also value in paying closer attention to the media we consume. The books we read, the films we watch, the content we engage with online—all of these influence the way we see the world. Questioning whether these narratives reinforce outdated gender roles or challenge them can make a difference in how these ideas spread.

Beyond personal choices, supporting initiatives that promote gender equality can have a broader impact. This might mean choosing to back women-led businesses, voting for policies that protect equal rights, or simply being open to conversations about the experiences of women and marginalized groups.

None of this requires activism in a formal sense, nor does it mean constantly calling out every problematic statement or action. But a shift in awareness, in how we respond to the world around us, is already a step toward change. The question isn’t whether we can fix this problem overnight—it’s whether we’re willing to engage with it at all.