Scotland’s First Minister has announced a three-part programme to address misogyny, combining school-based education, a renewed public campaign and a commitment to bring forward a Misogyny Bill before the Scottish Parliament’s 2027 summer recess. John Swinney made the announcement at the SNP conference in Aberdeen on 17 October.
Funding for schools from 2027/28
Up to an additional £1 million is planned from 2027/28 through a new Respect Fund. Its aim is to give pupils opportunities to challenge misogynistic attitudes and promote respect. High-school pupils are expected to access programmes delivered by third-sector organisations, while primary pupils are to receive age-appropriate learning about respect.
This is a future funding commitment, not money already distributed to schools. No allocation for individual schools, delivery organisations or detailed timetable has been set out. Those decisions will determine how the pledge translates into lessons and support in individual communities.
The approach places education alongside wider efforts to challenge behaviour. It reflects the government’s view that schools can help pupils recognise harmful attitudes, while the programme is intended to complement rather than replace legal protections and public campaigning.
Sporting partners to refresh campaign
A new phase of the Don’t Be That Guy campaign will be backed by the Scottish Government and involve sporting organisations and prominent sportspeople. Police Scotland first ran the campaign in 2021. It is intended to encourage men to challenge attitudes and conduct that contribute to violence against women and girls.
Scottish Rugby, the Scottish Football Association and Tennis Scotland are among the organisations supporting the refreshed work. The named participants include Scotland rugby players Jamie Dobie and Grant Gilchrist, and tennis player Connor Thomson. Other national sports bodies involved include the SPFL and SPFL Trust, Scottish Cycling, Scottish Swimming, Scottish Athletics, Scottish Golf and Team Scotland.
The use of sporting figures is intended to bring the message into settings with a broad audience, particularly for boys and young men. The campaign’s stated purpose is to promote positive masculinity and respect. No campaign dates, reach targets or evaluation measures have been set out, so its eventual reach and effect remain uncertain.
Bill promised before summer recess
Swinney pledged to introduce a Misogyny Bill before the 2027 summer recess. The proposed aim is to make harassment and abuse based on misogyny a specific criminal offence, providing women and girls with a distinct form of legal protection. This is a commitment to bring a bill before Parliament, not a law already in force. Its provisions will depend on the legislation published and considered by MSPs.
The pledge revives a proposal not taken forward in the previous parliamentary session. In May 2025, the government decided not to proceed then, citing insufficient time and the complexity of ensuring clear legal provisions. A government-established working group had earlier recommended criminal justice legislation specifically addressing misogyny, and a consultation on reform followed in 2023. These earlier recommendations are policy background, not confirmed provisions of the future bill.
The proposed offence’s relationship with existing criminal law, the conduct that would meet its threshold, and the arrangements for enforcement and support have not yet been specified. These questions will be considered as proposed legislation is developed and scrutinised.
Three strands, with delivery still ahead
Taken together, the fund, campaign and bill timetable span education, public messaging and criminal law. The Respect Fund is intended to support learning in schools, the campaign seeks to influence social attitudes, and the proposed legislation would create a specific legal response to harassment and abuse based on misogyny.
The measures remain at different stages. The fund is planned for 2027/28, the campaign is to be expanded through partnerships, and the bill has a promised introduction deadline but no published text. Their practical impact will depend on delivery details, sustained participation and the final legislation approved by Parliament. No particular behavioural or safety outcome can be assumed from the announcement alone.
