Misogyny vs Misandry – Zaynah Zahra Yaqub Central foundation Girls School

The term misogyny refers to hatred or prejudice against women simply because of their gender. This is at variance with misandry, which is the hatred of men. However many would argue that there is defining feature between both biases that outlines just how much they differ from each other. Misandry is the product of centuries of oppression and violence against women acted out by men. It is the resulting fear and resentment of women towards their oppressors. Men have never experienced systematic prejudice against them strictly on the basis of their gender despite some being subjected to misandry.

According to ‘Women’s Aid’ over the three-year period April 2016 to March 2019, a total of 222 women were killed by a partner of ex-partner. The majority of suspects were male (218, 98%). This means that during this time, an average of three women every fortnight were murdered by their male partner or ex-partner. This deep-rooted fear of men is not only because most gender based violence against women is acted out by men but also because it is men who we loved and trusted who hurt us. Our safety can’t be guaranteed in the presence of any man even sometimes people we know. According to ‘Rape crisis’ 5 in 6 rapes against women are carried out by someone they know.

Misandry is a natural response to endless suffering women have endured at the hands of men. Misogyny is violent and misogyny kills. This universal fear of men is what fed the concept of misandry.