Gemma Clark on tackling misogyny in schools with a humanist approach

Gemma Clark

March 7, 2025

In a guest article for our blog marking International Women’s Day, teacher and humanist campaigner Gemma Clark shares her thoughts on how to tackle a rising wave of misogyny in Scotland’s classrooms.

As a teacher, I have long been concerned about the rise of misogyny in schools. The disproportionate violence against female teachers and the well-documented sexual assaults on girls highlight a serious and growing problem.

It is a common misconception that Scotland has both Catholic and non-religious schools. In reality, schools are either denominational (Catholic) or non-denominational. The latter are not affiliated with a specific branch of Christianity. But they are still heavily influenced by religious traditions, with children having no right to opt out of Christian worship. The majority of schools in Scotland fall into this category. There are certainly no explicitly humanist schools—if there were, I would be the first to apply!

Schools, as microcosms of society, could benefit greatly from adopting a humanist ethos.

Why humanism?

I first discovered humanism while studying Higher Religious Education in school, and it immediately made sense to me. Humanism is a way of understanding the world through science, reason, and empathy, viewing all human beings as equally worthy of dignity and respect. It is based on the belief that people can be good without the need for a deity.

A humanist approach values facts over hyperbole and seeks real solutions rather than scapegoats. Schools, as microcosms of society, could benefit greatly from adopting a humanist ethos.

Challenging misogyny with a humanist perspective

Humanism is about equality and human flourishing. In education, this means recognising that:

Girls and boys are equally capable in all subjects, including STEM, when systemic barriers are removed.
Caring and empathy are not “female” traits, just as maths and science are not “male” ones.
Tackling misogyny in schools requires rational, evidence-based solutions rather than dismissing the issue as “just the way things are.”

With 70% of pupils in Scottish secondary schools experiencing sexual harassment—most of which goes unreported, according to the organisation Zero Tolerance—we need urgent action. Schools should prioritise girls’ safety over the rights of perpetrators. They must adopt a stronger stance against sexual harassment and violence.

Gemma speaks into a microphone sitting at a table with a glass of water and papers infront of her. Another person sits next to her listening to what she is saying. — GEMMA SPEAKING AT OUR HUMANIST SOCIETY CONFERENCE 2023

Something that has horrified me in recent years is the presence of anti-abortion groups in schools, distributing questionable information to young people

The link between misogyny and anti-abortion messaging

As a feminist, I have always felt that humanism is logically aligned with feminism. Something that has horrified me in recent years is the presence of anti-abortion groups in schools, distributing questionable information to young people—including in some primary schools.

Anti-abortion ideology is inherently misogynistic. It denies the humanity of women and girls. I remember, as a schoolgirl in a non-denominational school, being encouraged to discuss abortion as a “moral dilemma”—for example, whether it was acceptable in cases of rape. This framing is deeply harmful. Girls should receive a clear message that their lives, dreams, and well-being matter. They should not need to be victims of abuse to “earn” the right to control their own bodies.

It also concerns me that boys absorb these messages, learning that controlling women’s bodies is acceptable. No young person should be subjected to anti-abortion propaganda in school. Just as they should be protected from homophobic and transphobic messaging. Misogyny and LGBT+ discrimination are inextricably linked, as both challenge conservative and religious patriarchal norms.

A humanist approach to school policies

A humanist ethos would place the rights and safety of all students at its core. Schools must address the current climate of misogyny with evidence-based strategies, including:

Comprehensive sex and relationships education that empowers young people with facts, not shame.
Clear, enforceable policies against sexual harassment that prioritise victims rather than protecting perpetrators.
A commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all students—regardless of gender, sexuality, or background—feel safe and valued.

There are many other areas where a rational, humanist approach could improve schools, including menstrual health education. However, before tackling those, we must first put out the fires of misogyny and violence in schools.

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