Recent events and statements attributed to Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, have prompted scrutiny regarding his views on women and gender equality. These concerns have been amplified by his party's policy proposals and his interactions with the public and media.
Background and Recent Events
Nigel Farage has faced accusations of making remarks that suggest a dated perspective on women's roles, particularly in the workplace. This has led to comparisons of his statements to those from the 1970s.
In March 2025, Farage was reported to have stated that men are more willing than women to sacrifice family life for career success. These comments were made at a Westminster lunch during discussions about diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
When asked about his party's ability to appeal to female voters, Farage reportedly said he had spent his life trying to appeal to women and acknowledged having "the odd success, here and there." Some attendees at the event were described as visibly uncomfortable with his remarks.
More recently, in February 2026, Farage appointed a theologian with a strong anti-abortion stance as his head of policy. Around the same time, he pledged that his party would repeal the Equality Act upon taking office.
In a separate incident, Farage was described as being rude to a female journalist by a Guardian reporter. This led Jane Martinson, former chair of Women in Journalism, to suggest the interaction reflected Donald Trump's style of engagement and indicated potential prejudice.
Key Statements and Accusations
The core of the debate centers on Farage's remarks about women's choices, sacrifices, and his party's policy direction.
On Workplace Sacrifice:
"If you look at business, men are prepared to sacrifice their family lives in order to pursue a career and be successful in a way that fewer women are."
This statement, made at a Westminster lunch, suggests a perceived difference in willingness between men and women to prioritize career over family. Critics argue this overlooks the societal pressures and systemic barriers women may face.
On Merit and Privilege:
"The idea that you give certain groups privileges not based on merit, but based on skin colour or sexuality or whatever is wrong and it doesn’t work.”
Farage has linked this view to opposition to DEI policies, arguing they do not prioritize merit. Opponents contend that such policies aim to address historical disadvantages and create a more equitable playing field, rather than granting unearned privileges.
On Party Representation:
Asked if Reform UK could use more women in senior roles, Farage reportedly said: "I've spent my entire life trying to appeal to women - I've had a bit of trouble with them once or twice."
This response has been interpreted by critics as dismissive and indicative of an issue in attracting or representing women within his party.
Policy Direction:
The appointment of an anti-abortion theologian and the pledge to repeal the Equality Act are seen by some as signals of a party whose policies may not align with or actively work against the advancement of women's rights.
Conflicting Perspectives
Different analyses offer contrasting interpretations of Farage's actions and statements.
Viewpoint 1: Dated and Prejudiced Stance
Evidence: Statements about women's sacrifices in the workplace, comparisons to the 1970s, alleged rude interactions with female journalists, and policy decisions like repealing the Equality Act.
Argument: These elements collectively suggest a fundamental problem with Farage's and Reform UK's approach to women's issues. Critics argue that such views fail to acknowledge modern societal complexities and may alienate female voters and those concerned with gender equality.
Journalists and commentators have labelled his remarks as "stuck in the 1970s" and accused the party of "pitching for votes of misogynists."
Viewpoint 2: Focus on Merit and Opposition to Identity Politics
Evidence: Farage's stated belief that success should be based on merit, and his criticism of policies he views as granting privileges based on characteristics rather than achievement.
Argument: From this perspective, Farage's comments are not about a dislike of women, but a broader philosophical stance against what he terms "identity politics" and preferential treatment. His aim, proponents would argue, is to promote a system based purely on individual merit.
Farage has stated, "I'm very pro-women, don't worry about that," suggesting his intentions are not to disparage women.
Expert and Public Reaction
Jane Martinson, former chair of Women in Journalism, suggested that interactions with female journalists mirrored Donald Trump's style and indicated potential prejudice.
Natalie Fleet, MP for Bolsover, stated that Nigel Farage "seems to be stuck in the 1970s."
Opinion polls cited suggest Reform UK is consistently more popular among men than women.
Conclusion and Implications
The recent statements and policy actions by Nigel Farage and Reform UK have drawn significant criticism, leading to questions about the party's stance on women's rights and gender equality. The accusations range from making outdated remarks about women in the workplace to adopting policies that critics believe undermine equality.
Read More: Kemi Badenoch Faces Questions Over £50,000 Dinner With Reinstated Tory Donor in London
Key Findings:
Farage has made statements contrasting men's and women's willingness to sacrifice for career success, drawing criticism of being "stuck in the 1970s."
His party has appointed an anti-abortion policy chief and pledged to repeal the Equality Act.
Allegations of unprofessional conduct towards female journalists have also surfaced.
Public opinion data indicates a gender gap in Reform UK's support.
Implications: The ongoing debate may impact Reform UK's electoral strategy, particularly in its efforts to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional voter base. The controversy highlights a wider discussion about the role of gender and identity in contemporary politics.
Sources
The Guardian: Published February 21, 2026. Discusses accusations of sexism against Nigel Farage and Reform UK's policy direction, including the appointment of an anti-abortion policy chief and plans to repeal the Equality Act. Focuses on interactions with journalists.🔗 https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/21/nigel-farage-women-problem-trump-style-provocation-prejudice
Huffington Post UK: Published March 27, 2025. Reports on Nigel Farage being accused of "stuck in the 70s" remarks regarding women's willingness to make personal sacrifices for business success and his criticism of DEI policies.🔗 https://www.huffpost.co.uk/entry/nigel-farage-accused-of-being-stuck-in-the-70s-over-comments-about-women-in-the-workplaceuk67e56ad4e4b0ae19c7ccbdbd
New Statesman: Published August 28, 2025. Critiques Nigel Farage's expressed concern for women as "hollow and dangerous," questioning his rhetoric and the party's broader implications.🔗 https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2025/08/nigel-farages-hollow-dangerous-concern-for-women
The Mirror: Published March 27, 2025. Details Nigel Farage's sexism row over "1970s" remarks concerning women's "life choices" and their willingness to sacrifice for careers, alongside his comments on appealing to women.🔗 https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/nigel-farage-sexism-row-over-comments-about-women-in-the-workplace-34946628
Left Foot Forward: Published March 28, 2025. Reports on Nigel Farage's "sexism row" over comments about women in the workplace, echoing the "stuck in the 1970s" sentiment and criticism of his stance on DEI policies.🔗 https://www.leftfootforward.org/2025/03/nigel-farage-in-sexism-row-over-comments-about-women-in-the-workplace/
BBC News: Published March 27, 2025. Focuses on Nigel Farage's assertion that men make sacrifices for jobs that many women do not, and discusses the party's popularity among men versus women.🔗 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gpnl0x3w3o
