In an article for Policy@Manchester, a platform run by the University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, three prominent academics—Professor David Gadd, Dr. Caroline Miles, and Professor Barry Godfrey—highlight the increasing complexity of gender-based violence (GBV). While acknowledging that halving violence may seem daunting, they suggest that it is achievable with the right approach.

According to recent data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (2022/23), 27% of women reported being victims of sexual assault, a sharp increase from 19.9% in 2013/14. The academics note that standard responses, such as increased policing or harsher penalties for offenders, are unlikely to address these disturbing statistics. For example, only 1 in 23 domestic abuse cases and fewer than 3 in 100 rapes recorded by police result in convictions. Moreover, much of the violence remains hidden, with the vast majority of GBV going unreported.

Gadd, Miles, and Godfrey argue that a more effective approach would involve understanding the root causes of violence and targeting repeat offenders early. Many of the most dangerous perpetrators have backgrounds shaped by childhood trauma, institutional care, or substance abuse, they note. Often, these men have witnessed or experienced violence within their own homes, particularly against their mothers, and are trapped in cycles of abuse.

The academics propose long-term investment in trauma-informed preventative work with boys and young men, which they believe could significantly reduce the number of repeat offenders in the future. They suggest that working with young people to address early signs of violent behaviour and intervening before it escalates is crucial for breaking the cycle.

Further, emerging research indicates that attitudes towards violence can be shifted through well-designed social media campaigns targeting men and boys. The authors emphasise the importance of sustained engagement, ensuring that opposition is addressed and ultimately leads to a societal shift in attitudes.

However, the experts stress that these efforts must be backed by political leadership and a commitment to societal-level change. They argue that resourcing and supporting key sectors, including the criminal justice system, education, and health services, is vital for the success of such initiatives. Crucially, they call for a national conversation about men’s behaviour, both in private and public settings, to address the broader cultural issues that underpin violence against women.

In conclusion, Gadd, Miles, and Godfrey highlight the importance of not merely reassuring men that they are ‘better’ than the worst offenders but instead engaging them in conversations about how they can actively contribute to reducing violence. They caution that without this wider cultural shift, the government’s target to halve VAWG by 2035 is unlikely to succeed.

The full article, “How to Halve Violence Against Women and Girls,” by Professor David Gadd, Dr. Caroline Miles, and Professor Barry Godfrey, is available on the Policy@Manchester website.

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A key factor behind this trend is believed to be the changing roles and lifestyles of women, which may be having a long-term impact on their lifespan. According to Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan, Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, the shift in women’s roles, particularly since World War II, could be influencing the decline in their longevity.

“Traditionally, more women than men have lived to a very old age. However, the gap between the sexes is now closing rapidly,” Dr Narayanan said. “As recently as 2002, there were more than three times as many women aged over 90 compared to men. By 2023, that figure had fallen to just twice as many, which represents a significant decline.”

The ONS report shows that in 2023, the number of women aged 90 and over dropped to 368,250, down from 369,920 in 2022. There was also a 1.14% decrease in the number of women aged 100 and over, with 12,130 centenarians compared to 12,270 the previous year. The ratio of women to men aged 100 and over has also narrowed slightly, with 4.5 women for every man in 2023, compared to 4.6 in 2022.

Dr Narayanan suggests that the challenges faced by women during their lifetime, such as the difficulties of World War II and the pressure of balancing domestic and professional roles, may have taken a toll on their health and longevity. “Many women who are now reaching their centenary lived through demanding times and are likely to have faced physical and emotional stresses that previous generations did not,” he said.

As a result, Dr Narayanan recommends that women take proactive steps to maintain their health as they age. “Regular health checks and monitoring can help women ensure they are on track for a healthy old age,” he explained. “A general health test can provide reassurance that their overall fitness is in good condition, and there are many tests available specifically designed for women.”

Dr Narayanan highlighted several options for women concerned about their health, including hormone and fertility tests, menopause health checks, and comprehensive wellness profiles. These tests can monitor key factors such as kidney and liver function, bone and muscle health, cholesterol levels, and diabetes risk. Many of these tests are now available through home testing kits or at drop-in clinics across the UK.

The narrowing gap between men and women living to very old age reflects broader changes in society, with women’s roles and lifestyles evolving significantly over the last century. As men continue to close the longevity gap, maintaining good health and addressing potential issues early will be key to ensuring longer lifespans for both sexes. For full details, see: https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product-category/womens-health

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Tracey and Mike met online in 2019, and their connection was immediate. Reflecting on their journey, Tracey said, “From the very beginning, our relationship was built on deep mutual love and respect. Mike has always been my biggest supporter in everything I do. He embodies kindness, compassion, and heartfelt sincerity — like something out of a movie. I had never experienced anything like it before.”

Their relationship moved quickly, with the couple moving in together by the end of 2019. But it wasn’t until September 2020, when Tracey attended her son’s wedding during a brief break between lockdowns, that she realised she wanted to marry Mike. “Watching my son get married made me reflect on my own relationship with Mike,” she explained. “I knew I wanted that same commitment and connection with him.”

Inspired by her son’s wedding, Tracey took the bold step of planning a proposal. She arranged a pre-Christmas weekend getaway at a local spa hotel, where they could relax and unwind after the stress of the pandemic. “It was the perfect escape from the craziness of the world,” she said. The weekend was filled with luxurious treatments, fine food, and quiet moments — an ideal setting for her proposal.

However, as with many proposals, things didn’t go entirely to plan. Tracey had intended to propose with a necklace engraved with the words “Will you marry me?” But the necklace arrived just hours before their trip, leaving no time for the engraving. Instead, she improvised by writing the message on a small note and wrapping it around the pendant.

The proposal itself took place on the final morning of their getaway, during breakfast in their hotel room. “I was nervous but excited,” Tracey recalled. “I wanted the moment to be intimate and special, just for us. I decided to propose over breakfast, wrapping up a wonderfully romantic weekend away.”

Mike, who was raised with more traditional values, was completely surprised by Tracey’s proposal. “He was genuinely shocked — it caught him off guard,” Tracey said. “But he was deeply touched, a little emotional, and incredibly happy. Of course, he said yes.”

After their engagement, the couple shared the news with family and friends, all of whom were supportive. “Our loved ones were thrilled for us,” said Tracey. “I think some of the older generations might have more set ideas about proposals, but our friends and family were just happy that we’d found each other and were taking this next step.”

Tracey also reflected on the broader trend of women proposing to men and how societal attitudes have shifted. “I don’t think the taboo is as strong as it once was,” she said. “I know a few friends who’ve proposed to their partners, and it’s becoming more common. I believe if you love someone, you should go for it, regardless of tradition. What better way to show your love?”

Her final piece of advice for women considering proposing themselves? “Just do it!” she urged. “Don’t worry about what others might think or say. Be mindful of how and where you propose, but honestly, that applies to any proposal. Mike and I aren’t ones for grand public gestures, so I made sure the moment was private and meaningful for us.”

Tracey and Mike plan to marry on December 12th, 2024, capping off a love story that began in a modern way, with a woman proposing to the man she loves — and a world of possibilities for others to follow suit.

This trend of women proposing, along with the rise of male engagement rings, suggests that more couples are embracing new ways to express their commitment, reflecting changing attitudes towards gender roles in relationships. As traditions continue to evolve, love stories like Tracey and Mike’s are inspiring a generation to take charge of their own romantic journeys.

For more information, visit http://www.diamondsfactory.de and https://www.thecalmqueen.co.uk/

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The gender pay gap, which measures the difference in median hourly pay between men and women, has long been a benchmark for gender inequality in the workplace. However, the latest analysis highlights specific professions where women are earning significantly more than men.

At the top of the list are community and civil enforcement occupations, where women earn an average of 28.9% more than men. These roles typically involve ensuring that drivers comply with parking regulations by issuing fines. On average, women in these positions earn £16.11 per hour, while men earn £12.50, a difference of £3.61.

Welfare professionals come in second, with a pay gap of 20.9% favouring women. These professionals are involved in mentoring, advocacy, rehabilitation services, and overseeing adoption processes. Women in these roles earn an average hourly wage of £20.77, £3.59 more than their male counterparts, who earn £17.18 per hour.

Third on the list are biological scientists, where the pay gap stands at 20.6%. Women in this field, who study living organisms and their environments, earn £20.30 per hour, while men earn £16.84, resulting in a difference of £3.46 per hour.

Hire services managers and proprietors, who are responsible for managing businesses or teams, rank fourth. In these roles, women earn an average of £14.52 per hour, £2.45 more than men, who earn £12.07. This difference represents a pay gap of 20.3%.

The fifth-ranked role is that of personal assistants and other secretaries. Women in these administrative roles earn £14.37 per hour, compared to men who earn £12.27, marking a 17.1% pay gap in favour of women.

Special needs education teaching professionals are sixth on the list, with women earning 16.8% more than men. These professionals support children with emotional, behavioural, or learning difficulties, as well as physical disabilities. Women in this field earn £24.66 per hour, while men earn £21.12.

Veterinarians rank seventh, with a 14.3% pay gap. Women in this role, who treat injuries and illnesses in animals, earn £25.09 per hour, £3.14 more than men, who earn £21.95.

Eighth on the list are occupational therapists, with women earning 13.2% more than men. These professionals assist people with physical, mental, or social disabilities in performing everyday activities. Women in this field earn £20.85 per hour, compared to £18.42 for men.

Social and humanities scientists, who study and analyse human behaviour, rank ninth. Women in this role earn £20.42 per hour, 12.4% more than men, who earn £18.16.

Finally, publicans and managers of licensed premises, such as pubs or bars, are tenth on the list. Women in these roles earn £15.10 per hour, £1.55 more than men, who earn £13.55, resulting in an 11.4% pay gap.

Michael Dinich, a spokesperson fromWealth of Geeks, commented on the findings: “It is fascinating to see such a drastic difference in hourly pay between men and women in these roles. Many women across the UK may have been the victim of the gender pay gap for years, but it is interesting to see which job roles they are now able to earn more than men; the findings could even inspire a career change for some.”

The findings reveal a significant shift in the traditional gender pay dynamics within these professions, suggesting that in certain areas, women are not only catching up but surpassing men in earnings. This research offers a fresh perspective on the ongoing conversation around pay equity in the workplace.

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