The University of Westminster hosted the 2025 Wollstonecraft Society (WS) Lecture at the Regent Street Cinema to honour Mary Wollstonecraft’s legacy of human rights activism. This year’s event saw author Laura Bates join broadcaster Gemma Cairney to discuss the rise of online misogyny and extremism and its impact on human rights and equality.
Attendees were welcomed to the Regent Street Cinema on 28 April for the annual WS Lecture, which responded to the growing threat of online misogyny and extremism, or what is known as the ‘manosphere’.
The event, which was also broadcast virtually, was opened by an introduction from the University’s Chancellor Natalie Campbell, who remarked upon the fitting setting of Westminster for the event. As a pioneering institution set up in 1838 to educate the working people of London, the University’s continued strategic commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion reflects Wollstonecraft’s trailblazing work to promote wider education.
This connection was reiterated by the Chair of the Wollstonecraft Society Bee Rowlatt in her introduction to Wollstonecraft’s work, the society and the evening’s speakers.
About the partnership Rowlatt said: "I'm delighted by this partnership between the Wollstonecraft Society and the University of Westminster. Our annual WS Lecture is a much-anticipated chance to hear extraordinary speakers tackle challenging themes, and we're grateful to the University of Westminster for hosting us so generously. It is a natural home for our human rights work because Wollstonecraft dedicated her life's work to the cause of education, and Westminster shares her progressive and inclusive values."
Westminster Chair of Governors Lynne Berry (left) and Chancellor Natalie Campbell (right)
Best-selling author and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project Laura Bates and award-winning broadcaster and women’s rights advocate Gemma Cairney then took to the stage for an insightful conversation on the manosphere. Topics of discussion included violence against women, the dangers of online extremism and what society can do to tackle these rapidly growing problems, from small actions in everyday life to larger-scale institutional change.
After their conversation, Cairney opened the floor for an interactive Q&A session. The audience asked a variety of questions including how men of all ages can tackle their own misogyny and educate the younger generations. Attendees then had the opportunity to speak to Bates and Cairney and purchase signed copies of their books during a drinks reception.
WS team Emma Waslin (left), founder Bee Rowlatt (second right) and trustee and Westminster governor Caron Bradshaw (right) with Laura Bates (centre left) and Gemma Cairney (centre right)
About the event Chair to Westminster’s Court of Governors and Patron of the WS Lynne Berry said: “I’m very proud to have played a part in creating the exciting new partnership between the University of Westminster and the Wollstonecraft Society. Deep understanding comes from listening to different perspectives and lasting change from respectful collaboration. We had all that and more in the first WS Lecture held at the University of Westminster. Together we can turn our values into action and bring a new focus on human rights. Mary would have been proud too.”
Westminster’s partnership with the Wollstonecraft Society directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5: Gender Equality and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion events at the University of Westminster.
Watch the full conversation below.
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