The far right is a threat to women’s equality and rights: Close the Gap’s response to recent rise of far-right activism

Close the Gap strongly condemns the rise of far-right activism and its cynical attempt to co-opt violence against women and girls (VAWG) as a cover for racism. VAWG is a longstanding, systemic oppression caused by gender inequality. The vast majority of women and girls who experience violence and abuse are harmed by men they already know, not by strangers or migrants. Two women a week in the UK are murdered by a current or former partner. This is not an issue caused by immigration – it is happening in homes across the UK, where women and girls should be safe. 

The far right is not protecting women – it poses a direct and increasing threat to women’s rights, as well as to the rights of racially minoritised people and LGBTQI communities. Far-right activism fuels violence, particularly racist and Islamophobic violence, and violence against women and girls.  

Close the Gap is working to become an anti-racist organisation. We recognise the fear generated by the rise of the far right among racialised and marginalised communities.  We stand in solidarity with all groups whose lives are affected by racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia and disability discrimination.  

We join calls for Government action to challenge the spread of disinformation and hate. Urgent action is needed to address the increasing poverty and inequality that is fuelling the power of the far-right activism. Years of austerity policies and public sector cuts have shredded the social security safety net and created a scarcity of public services. We need urgent investment to create good-quality jobs, improvements to social infrastructure, such as childcare and social care, social security, education and housing.  

Close the Gap stands against hate in all its forms. Equality, solidarity, and justice must be centred in our response to the rise of the far right.