Topics

About this talk

When the MeToo movement ignited in 2017, many believed it would be a turning point for women after which positive change would become inevitable. And for a brief time, it felt like the world was finally listening to women's voices. But in 2026, that promise feels fragile. The rise of the manosphere, escalating violence against women and girls, and the weaponisation of social media have made speaking out more dangerous, more exhausting and more necessary than ever. Far from moving forward, in many ways it can feel like society's attitudes towards women are going backwards. On June 15, Intelligence Squared brings together a panel of voices to discuss the new threats facing women in modern culture. Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, writer and social historian Juliet Nicolson, and BAFTA award-winning actor Joanna Scanlan join host BBC News editor Katie Razzall to ask: what does it really mean for women to be heard in 2026? Don't miss this live discussion and ask your questions in the audience Q&A. Doors open: 6:30pm. Age Recommendation: 16+.

→ More information & booking (opens in new tab)