IT’S EASY TO FEEL HOPELESS, BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO. SO WHAT NEXT?

The death of Sarah Everard threw a spotlight on male violence and the wider issue of how misogyny permeates our society. Tackling this should not be women’s burden to bear, but many feel a renewed sense of urgency to fight. Meaningful change is slow and difficult to achieve – but it is possible. Here, leaders and activists share their advice.

Mandu Reid, leader of the Women’s Equality Party Meaningful, feminist change comes from everywhere, including community organising, volunteering with local organisations and petitioning your local councillors and MP to address a need in your community. Never feel helpless or hopeless, you can make a difference. Like the ripple from a stone thrown into a pool, change is made up of waves that gradually spread out further and further. The size of the stone isn’t the point – all that matters is that one is cast.

Gina Martin, campaigner, speaker and writer Spend time with those who came before you who felt the exhaustion, frustration, fear and did something with it: bell hooks, Toni Morrison, Gloria Steinem, Angela Y Davis. Then learn from leaders now: Koa Beck, Emma Dabiri, Roxane Gay, Laura Bates. You’ll understand more, feel less alone, and you’ll recognise the power we have; three ingredients that’ll help you fight.

Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow Our laws still don’t recognise how misogyny drives violence against women, hampering our ability to tackle these crimes. Over the coming weeks, MPS will have the chance to change this by accepting the Newlove Amendment to the Policing Bill. Reach out to your MP and ask them to support this. Help ensure that our legal system treats violence against women and girls seriously.

Jamie Klingler, co-founder of Reclaim These Streets

Being an advocate and mentor at work and in your social circles is powerful. Make sure that your colleagues and friends know that you will listen without judgement and support them as they navigate difficult situations, whether that be reporting behaviour to police or HR or just being a shoulder to cry on. Most importantly, in all instances, believe women.

Deeba Syed, senior lawyer at Rights of Women

At Rights of Women, we support women through all the ways male violence permeates their lives, including sexual harassment at work – we campaigned to change the law so employers are forced to prevent it. You actually have the legal right to challenge your employer if your workplace is sexist. So set that meeting, have the talk – your voice has more power than you know.

Sophie Walker, political activist and founding leader of the Women’s Equality Party

Male violence against women has multiple impacts. Physical abuse is widespread but there is also a subsequent impact that can span homelessness, hunger, poverty, mental health problems and alcohol dependency. Supporting women’s organisations dealing with those things helps women back on their feet. Note too that those led by and for minoritised women are always hardest hit by lack of funding.