Day against violence against women: Diakonie warns of anti-feminism among the younger generation

On the International Day against Violence against Women, Diakonie Hamburg warned of rising anti-feminism among teenagers and young adults. In the prevention workshops of the “FairLove” project in schools and in consultations with those affected by the so-called lover’s methods, specialists increasingly report about young men who identify with influencers of the “manosphere”. This propagates stereotypical gender roles in social networks, casting men as “victims” of equality and trivializing or justifying violence against women.

Statistics confirm the trend

According to Diakonie, official statistics confirm this trend: According to figures published by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) on Friday, misogynistic crimes again recorded a high increase in 2024 (plus 73 percent). The amount of human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation, sexual crimes and domestic violence is also increasing.

“This normalization of anti-feminist attitudes means more and more boundaries are being crossed – verbally and sometimes by action,” said state pastor Annika Woydack. The deacon leader demanded that education and prevention efforts for young men be strengthened and that gender-sensitive education be consistently promoted.