A special Interpreter series ahead of International Women's Day, 2025, on 8 March.
As International Women’s Day approaches, it’s time to confront a shadowy and growing threat: misogynistic extremism. While counter-terrorism efforts often focus on political or religious radicalism, there is another deadly force already shaping global security. Gender-based violence and incel-linked attacks (those emanating from a violent, anti-women online movement of mostly male “involuntarily celibate” individuals) are not just social issues – they’re national security threats.
In Australia, one in four women – or 2.3 million – have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15. In the United States, incel-related attacks have killed at least 50 people since 2014, according to the Counter Extremism Project. These numbers aren’t just shocking; they reveal the scale of a threat policymakers can no longer ignore.
The warning signs have been flashing for years. In 2020, a machete attack at a massage parlour in Toronto was prosecuted as an act of terrorism – a first for Canada when it came to incel-related violence. The assailant, motivated by hatred of women, killed one person, and injured another. This was no isolated incident. In the United States, the Secret Service has issued repeated warnings about the growing threat posed by incel extremists, whose online communities have glorified mass shooters and fuelled fantasies of violent retribution against women.
Australia is not immune. The Bondi Junction knife attack in Sydney in 2024 highlighted the urgent need to address gender-based violence as a national security concern. The attacker clearly targeted women, with authorities noting the deliberate nature of the attack and its impact on perceptions of public safety. Although the attack wasn’t charged as terrorism, the nature of the violence and its gendered targeting spotlight the blurred lines between criminal acts and extremist ideologies. The incident created widespread fear, underscoring how violence against women has broader social destabilising effects.
The toxic blend of online radicalisation and gender-based violence creates fertile ground for dangerous ideologies to fester. Gender-based hatred – whether it manifests in violent attacks or online harassment – is increasingly recognised as a destabilising force that crosses borders. Yet policymakers often treat it as a social issue rather than the national security challenge it truly is.
Just as nations share intelligence to combat transnational terrorism, they must cooperate to tackle the spread of misogynistic extremism.
The connection between misogyny and extremism isn’t new, but it’s becoming harder to ignore. Researchers have long noted that gender-based violence often serves as a precursor to mass violence. Many mass shooters, including those with no formal ties to extremist groups, have histories of abusing women. The Christchurch shooter in New Zealand, for example, reportedly subscribed to deeply misogynistic beliefs alongside his white supremacist ideology.
These patterns highlight a dangerous nexus between private violence and public acts of terror. Gender-based violence not only harms individuals but can act as a radicalising force, pushing perpetrators towards more extreme forms of violence. This linkage underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies that address both interpersonal violence and radicalisation.
So why does this matter now? Because failing to address this issue leaves a gaping hole in Australia’s security frameworks. Treating misogynistic violence as a lesser threat undermines efforts to prevent radicalisation in all its forms. The patterns are clear: online forums that incubate hate against women often serve as gateways to broader extremist ideologies. Ignoring these digital breeding grounds is a dangerous oversight.
Policy solutions must bridge the gap between counter-terrorism and violence prevention strategies. Law enforcement agencies need better training to recognise and respond to gender-based extremist threats. This includes understanding how online radicalisation occurs and being equipped to monitor and disrupt these digital networks.
International collaboration is essential. Just as nations share intelligence to combat transnational terrorism, they must cooperate to tackle the spread of misogynistic extremism. This involves sharing best practices for prevention and harmonising legal frameworks to prosecute gender-based extremist crimes.
Investment must be made into prevention at the community level. Education campaigns that promote healthy relationships and challenge harmful gender norms can build resilience against extremist narratives. Schools, community organisations, and social media platforms all have roles to play in this effort.
Canada’s decision to prosecute the Toronto attack as terrorism sets an important precedent, sending a clear message that gender-based violence linked to extremist ideologies will not be treated as mere criminal acts but as threats to national security. This move should encourage other nations to adopt similar legal frameworks.
But more needs to be done. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, so too do the threats we face. The digital age has made it easier than ever for extremist ideologies to spread across borders. Misogynistic extremism is no exception. Addressing it requires a coordinated, international response.
Recognising the victims and survivors of such violence as stakeholders in security discussions is crucial. Listening to their experiences can inform more effective prevention strategies and ensure that counter-extremism efforts are grounded in the realities of those most affected.
On this International Women’s Day, let’s commit to making women’s security a central pillar of global policy. Bridging the gap between counter-terrorism and gender-based violence prevention is not just a matter of justice – it’s a national security imperative.
